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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 2 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday sought support from the President of India in resolving the long-pending Naga political issue.
Speaking during the civic reception programme held in honour of President Droupadi Murmu at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima, Rio said that the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position were signed between the government of India and NSCN (IM) and Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG), recognising the unique history and position of the Nagas.
"We are hopeful that we will have an early solution to the Naga political issue, which we are sure will give a boost to our youth and people to contribute much more to the nation's economy through their God-given rich talent and genius," he said.
He also asserted that ceasefire and dialogue with the Naga political groups have been continuing for 26 years.
The chief minister put on to record the gratitude of the people of state to the government to India for the special provisions extended to Nagaland by incorporating Article 371 A in the Constitution of India, whereby land and its resources are protected, as also are its traditional customs and practices.
Maintaining that Nagaland is the second oldest state in the Northeast India and was formed in 1963, he said it has made big leaps in development since then and the people are much better off economically today but ‘there is still much to be done for which we seek your (President) guidance and support’.
He acknowledged the President for her ‘deep concern’ for the people of Nagaland and the Northeast, saying that ‘Nagaland will keep the memories in the history of the state's progress’.
Rio hailed Murmu for dedicating her life to the people, holding various public offices and contributing immensely to various reforms and initiatives in spreading education, especially amongst the tribals. Pointing out that she was the first tribal woman to become the President of India and also the first tribal Governor of Jharkhand, he said the tribals states are very proud to have her as its President.
Meanwhile, he added that her election as the President of the largest democracy in the world had sent a very positive message to the rest of the world about the inclusive nature of India's polity. He said the people of Nagaland and their representatives were extremely happy on her victory in the Presidential election, for which they gave 100% support.
He reiterated that the state is mostly hilly and inhabited by 17 major tribes with each distinct in characteristics from the other in terms of customs, language and attires.
“We also have people from other communities such as the Marwari, Gorkha, Garo, Kachari, Sikh and Muslim who have been staying here from before the formation of the state.
"We are very proud of our rich culture, customs and traditional practices, which even today guide our everyday life. A number of our successful developmental initiatives such as the village councils, VDBs, communitisation and Local Area Development Fund have built our social capital and traditional strengths,” he said.
He also highlighted that the state has rich forests, naturally organic and uniquely tasteful agriculture and horticulture products such as pineapple, ginger, kholar; exotic fruits such as avocado, dragon fruit, kiwi, persimmon, tea and coffee; rich floriculture; spices; and colourful traditional designs used in handlooms and handicrafts, which are getting wider recognition the world over.
Further, Rio assured the President of displaying the state's culture and traditions to her during the visit and let her witness the development activities in the state.
He expressed hope that she will visit the state again, and will always keep Nagaland in her thoughts and guide it to achieve greater heights.