Involve women in peace talks: Guv

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 24: STATE Governor, PB Acharya, was of the view that women should be included in peace talks with various militant groups in the North East. While exphasising to prioritise protection of women and children from violence, the Governor said the disproportionate impact of violent conflict on women and children recognises the critical role women in the processes of peace building and conflict prevention, conflict mediation, and all aspects of post-conflict reconstruction. The Governor went on to say that in politics and property ownership, there is no space for women in Nagaland. “There is no women representative in the 60 member state Assembly. North East records the highest number of Women trafficking cases,” he added. He said women, who constituted main stakeholders, are the worst affected in the conflict zone. He further stated that different women’s group demand to include women in peace talks has to be seriously considered. The Governor appealed all stakeholders, civil societies, NGOs, student bodies etc to promote women participation in conflict prevention and peace talks since they played a major role in the past and could still continue to contribute in the peace process. Awards for Achievers Governor, PB Acharya, has taken up the initiative to award those achievers in various fields of life such as indigenous games, fine arts, agriculture, social works and indigenous herbal medicine. “North East, particularly Nagaland, is well known for its rich cultural life. We have been proudly showcasing our dance, music, handicraft & handlooms to the whole world. We are on the top in this field,” the Governor said. The Governor asserted that it is high time that we also showcase our achievers like social workers, political leaders, patriots, doctors, engineers, literary people and sportsmen etc. While stating that Nagas are ‘second to none,’ the Governor has written to all the Deputy Commissioners of Nagaland to identify achievers in these fields and make a proper inventory especially indigenous games experts, indigenous medicinal doctors. Visit of South Korean delegation International Youth Fellowship (IYF), a delegation from South Korean comprising its general secretary Prof. Jaehong Kim, national director of India IYF Sooyeon Kim, regional director IYF Samgwon Kim, regional director Nagaland IYF Hyeonyeong Choi along with others called on the State Governor, PB Acharya at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on August 23. The Governor appreciated the efforts of IYF role in Mind Education amongst the Naga youth.