NLA resolutions sound clarion to dialogue, integration

Resolves on integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas for 6th time

Kohima, Sep. 20 (EMN): After the reconstitution of the Joint Legislators’ Forum on the Indo-Naga political issue on September 18, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Thursday discussed the Indo-Naga political issue and adopted a six-point resolution unanimously after Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio moved the motion.

The resolutions (en verbatim):

“The House unanimously (i) places on record its deep appreciation for the invaluable sacrifices made by the Nagas over the past several decades in their effort to bring an honourable, acceptable, inclusive and expeditious settlement of the Indo-Naga Political Issue.

(ii) Appeals to all sections of Nagas to continuously sustain and strengthen unity and peacefully participate in the ongoing negotiations so that the aforesaid settlement becomes inclusive.

(iii) Appeals to the Naga political groups that have walked away from the negotiating table to return to the same for an expeditious settlement.

(iv) Expresses its gratitude to all parties to the negotiations especially the government of India under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the honourable prime minister of India, for inking the Framework Agreement on the 3rd August, 2015 and also for the written agreement on the 17th November, 2017 with the Naga national political groups.

(v) Reiterates its earlier resolutions dated 12.12.1964, 28.8.1970, 16.9.1994, 18.12.2003 and 27.7.2015 on the integration of the contiguous Naga inhabited areas and also affording all Nagas to live under one administrative umbrella.

(vi) Urges upon the government of India to appreciate the fact that the Indo-Naga political issue is more than 70 years old and the very negotiations are continuing for around 21 years, and therefore urges upon it to make all out efforts to expeditiously bring about an honourable, acceptable and inclusive settlement.”

Inputs from DIPR:

Rio maintained that the People’s Democratic Alliance government will be an active facilitator to the ongoing Naga peace process. He sought continuous support from all the members including the opposition led by TR Zeliang; and support from the two members of the Parliament.

Wakching water supply project to be completed by June 2019

The minister for PHED Jacob Zhimomi has said that the Wakching water supply project was approved during 2014-15 with an estimated cost of 383.01 lakh; the time for completion of the project was to be within two years from the date of the sanction. But the date of completion of the project has been rescheduled to June 2019, he informed. He was replying to an un-starred question raised by MLA YM Yillow on the time frame and completion of the Wakching water supply project.

The minister gave updates about the status of the project: Construction of a diversion weir at Tenak water source; construction of a ‘desilting’ tank at Tenak water source; construction of RCC posts for a suspension bridge at Tape River for crossing of water supply pipeline; and construction of a 3 km approach road for heavy vehicles, from Mohung village to Tenak water source, to carry GMS pipes, etc., has been completed under civil works component.

Nagaland House at Mumbai complete but clearance not yet

Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton has said that the building for Nagaland house at Navi in Mumbai was completed in 2010. However, the government could not occupy till now due to pending coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) clearance, which is a ‘complicated process.’ He informed the assembly that the government was pursuing resolution of the issue. He was replying in response to a query concerning the status of said house by opposition legislator Y Vikheho.

Replying to the MLA’s query why the state govt. could not receive the CRZ from the Mumbai municipality, the leader of the house Neiphiu Rio said that the dept. in concern may have overlooked the aspect of clearance procedures when the project started. Rio was optimistic about receiving the clearance soon.

Eight EAC office constructions

Neiphiu Rio, the minister in-charge of the CAWD, has said there are eight ongoing constructions for extra additional commissioner offices in the state. He was replying to a question raised by opposition MLA Yitachu, about the number of EAC offices constructions.

Furnishing the details, Rio said that a total of 264.02 lac was required to complete each office: one in Englan for INR 7 lac; Chetheba for INR 22.31 lac; Phor for INR 9.46 lac; Lephory for INR 63.25 lac; Aghunaqua/ Nihokhu for INR 20 lac; Yachem for INR 37 lac; Hoshepu for INR 25 lac; and one for Alongkima for INR 80 lac.

He added that funds totalling INR 105 lac was allocated: INR 25 lac to Hoshepu and INR 80 lac to Alongkima in the year 2018-19.

State committee selects Dr. T Ao awardees

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has clarified in response to allegations about the criteria involved in awarding the Dr. T Ao award and selecting candidates: Selections were made by a state-level selection committee as incorporated in the Nagaland state sports policy; as per stipulated criteria, the department felt that no action was required, he said.

He was replying to a starred question by opposition MLA Khriehu Liezietsu, in starred questions about said award, and appointment of the project director of the Music Task Force (MTF).

The chief minister said that the selection committee is led by the chief secretary; and the secretary, and director of the Sports department; the president and secretary general of the Nagaland Olympics Association as members.

Referring to the allegations in some sections of the regional news houses, he clarified that the department received no formal complaint. He said that the people who have complaints may formally complain to the department to address issues. According to the Nagaland State Sports Policy, he explained, there are four categories for the Dr. T Ao Sports Awards: Coaches, sports administrators, state sports Institutions, and athletes.

Criteria for appointment of project director for MTF: He disclosed that the department had issued a circular addressed to all administrative heads of departments and heads of departments inviting applications to fill the post, on July 25 2018. Three applications were received by the department for the position, it was informed.

The chief minister also informed that no scheme was sanctioned by the National programme for development of sports, Khelo India, since it was approved as a central sector scheme.