Make united final push for solution to Naga political issue, Nagaland Governor tells stakeholders

KOHIMA — Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan on Friday said that solution to the Naga political issue still remains elusive despite the best efforts by everyone concerned.

Addressing the 75th Republic Day here at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, the governor said that Nagaland was given statehood six decades ago with special constitutional safeguards that protect the culture, identity and interest of Naga people.

“The State has been an active partner in contributing to the overall development and growth of our great nation. However, we are all aware of the constraints posed by Naga Political Issue, the solution of which still eludes us, in spite of the best efforts and good wishes of everyone concerned,” he said.

While thanking the stakeholders for working tirelessly to find a peaceful, honourable and acceptable resolution to the Naga political issue, Ganesan said that the state government is keen and committed for an early solution.

He appealed to all the stakeholders to rise above their differences and make a united final push, to arrive at the “eagerly awaited solution.”

Asserting that Nagaland has made good headway in almost all sectors of human endeavours in the last 60 years of statehood, he said the credit goes to every citizen.

“All the positive developments are the outcome of the people-centric developmental policies of the government on the one hand, and the enduring and resilient character being exhibited by the people of the state,” Ganesan said.

“There is still, however, a lot of ground to cover. In this fast moving world, we have to strive harder if we wish to move shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world,” he added.

Calling upon the people to recommit themselves to become law-abiding and good responsible citizens of the country, he encouraged all to work with renewed enthusiasm to make Nagaland one of the most progressive and developed states of the nation.

He went on to state that while striving for equitable socio-economic development for all parts of the state, the eastern Nagaland areas are still lagging behind in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic parameters.

The state and the central governments are “committed to suitably address them with the urgency it deserves,” he assured.

Providing further details on development for the eastern part of the state, Ganesan said that under PM-DeviNE programme, livelihood projects with an outlay of INR 180 crore are in the process of being implemented, which will give further impetus to growth and development in the region.

The construction of the Konyak Heritage Complex at Mon is also in progress, he informed, adding that the state government is committed to holding the urban local body’s election soon.

The state is also planning to host national and regional sporting events, including the North East Olympic Games in March 2024, and the Asian Belt and Traditional Wrestling Championships later this year, which will be the biggest-ever sports event to be held in Nagaland so far, he said.

On the upcoming Asia Music Summit in Kohima from February 1 to the 3rd, the governor said that he believed it would be one of the country’s biggest music expos, with participants from more than 15 countries, with 500 delegates and representatives from five continents, expected to attend.

Earlier in the programme, the governor who was accompanied by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, unfurled the National flag and inaugurated the exhibition stalls,

A total of 16 parade contingents, including the 5th (IR) Bn Mizoram, took part in the march past.