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KOHIMA — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said that the state government is committed to finding an early solution to the Naga political issue.
Addressing the 78th Independence Day celebration at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima, the chief minister also expressed hope that the continuity of the current central government would be beneficial for early resolution of the Naga issue.
Maintaining that the state government is making every possible effort in this direction, Rio said that the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), comprising the entire cabinet and elected members from tribes not represented in the cabinet, has already held its first meeting.
He went on to inform that through the forum of political consultative committees, joint consultations will be held with civil society organisations and tribal hohos to discuss the ‘Framework Agreement’ and the ‘Agreed Position.’
“We will continue to engage with all stakeholders to help reach an early solution,” the chief minister iterated.
Open-door policy to resolve ENPO issue
Asserting that the government is committed to all-round development of the state, Rio also said that his government has an open-door policy to resolve the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) issue.
He highlighted that the eastern region requires more support than other parts and bridging both physical and human capital gaps in the region is essential.
Further, he expressed confidence that the shared history, culture, feelings of brotherhood and, above all, the commitment to equitable development of the state, will guide Nagaland towards progress and prosperity.
Extending greetings on the occasion, the chief minister said that the occasion is an opportunity to draw inspiration from the freedom fighters and re-dedicate oneself to the task of nation-building.
He said that Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963, and since then the state has been an active partner in the nation’s journey.
Rio also mentioned that the state made history by successfully conducting the urban local body (ULB) elections with reservations for women for the first time.
The chief minister noted that from having no women members in town and municipal councils, the state now has 37% women representation, surpassing the 33% mandated by law.