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Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 19 (EMN): Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, in his maiden address to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), said that he has heard the voice of the people of the state for an early settlement to the Naga political issue, which continues to take centre stage.
He was addressing the House on the opening day of Budget session for fiscal 2022-23, which began on Saturday and is scheduled to conclude on March 25.
The state, as always, has been making every endeavour as a facilitator of the Naga peace process, so that all the negotiating parties are able to appreciate each other’s position and arrive at a solution that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive, he said.
He congratulated the members for forming an all-party government under United Democratic Alliance to pursue an early solution to the Naga political issue. He expressed hope that with the “deepest concern” being shown by everyone, the long-cherished (dream of) solution will soon become a reality and a new era of peace and prosperity will begin in the state.
The governor also highlighted the recent consultative meeting with various organisations, political parties and personalities where a resolution was adopted reiterating the people’s yearning for an early settlement to the Naga issue.
On Mon incident
The governor described the Mon killings in December last year as “very painful and unfortunate incident”, where many innocent lives from Mon district were lost and several others seriously injured.
The incident, which took away the lives of 14 civilians, had caused outrage not only in the state but also in other parts of the country.
He said that the state government had taken every possible step to lessen the pain of the victims’ families, including providing prompt assistance in the form of monetary compensation, giving jobs to the next of kin of all the deceased and looking after the entire medical needs of those injured.
“We have also approached the Government of India for taking up certain developmental projects in the affected areas, which, besides providing assurance to the traumatised populace will also help faster development of the area,” he stated.
Mukhi also said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to probe the Oting killing incident had worked at a “good pace" and completed its investigation. The Army’s Court of Inquiry is also expected to complete its inquiry soon, he added.
The SIT had already submitted its report to the state government and the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had said that the report would be made public after getting necessary permission from the Centre.
On oil, petroleum exploration issue
The governor noted that the state government is also taking steps to resolve the issues with regard to oil and petroleum exploration.
“The chief minister of Assam has positively indicated for equally dividing the proceeds of petroleum and oil exploration and extraction between the two states in sectors A, B & C in DAB area. We would continue in our steps, seeking cooperation of the Government of India and the Government of Assam for resolving the matter,” he said.
‘Outside the Disturbed Area Belt (DAB), for exploration and extraction the Government of India has to recognise the ownership for the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland and the constitutional protection granted to them under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution regarding transfer of land and its resources. Accordingly, devise a mutually agreed, suitable mechanism for payment of royalty and issue of PELs,’ he said, adding that the government would continue its effort to resolve the matter for the benefit of the people of the state and the country.
On ULB election
Speaking on the Urban Local Body (ULB) election, he said the matter had drawn sensitive reactions ‘as many consider reserving seats for women is against our traditions and customs’. He acknowledged the recent decision taken by the state government to conduct ULB elections as per the 74th Amendment Act of the Constitution.
“We should have duly elected bodies for governing our towns and cities, so crucial for public ownership of developmental decisions and sustainable improvement of civic amenities to our rapidly growing urban centres,” he said.
On Covid-19 pandemic
Mukhi also said that Covid-19 pandemic had tested state capabilities and health capacities like never before.
‘Government took all possible steps, ensured medical interventions and health infrastructure improved,’ he said while urging everyone to continue to adhere to Covid-appropriate manners. He further appealed to the non-vaccinated individuals to take the vaccine at the earliest.
‘The state government has made significant achievements and is making progress in several sectors, bringing out the commitment of the government for an all-round development of the state. ‘However, much remains to be done,’ he said.
Her also sought co-operation and contribution from everyone to keep moving steadfastly to make Nagaland one of the most developed and prosperous states of the country.
Obituary reference
NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer made obituary reference to the passing away of former MLA Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi in February this year and the House observed a five-minute silence to pay respect to the departed soul.