No one will be left behind in Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation consultations — Jacob

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi assured that the state government is committed to resolving the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) issue promptly.

Addressing journalists during the launch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) membership drive in Marwari Patti, Dimapur, on Tuesday, the minister said that the issue has been raised with the central government in Delhi, urging for its early resolution.

Jacob asserted that through consultations with the ENPO, Eastern Naga Legislators Union (ENLU), Eastern Nagaland Officers Union, student bodies, and women’s organisations, “it will be a comprehensive package, and no one will be left behind as far as consultation is concerned”.

There will be continuous consultations till the issue is resolved, he added.

The minister also addressed the pressing issue of unemployment in the state. Noting that the issue is prevalent across the country, he said that the government job sector in Nagaland is saturated and it not possible for any state government to employ all the educated youths.

However, alternate avenues including private sector enterprises and entrepreneurship are being promoted, and the state recently passed the Sarfaesi Act, which facilitates access to financial assistance for business ventures, he maintained.

Preventive measures for influx of illegal immigrants

Allaying fears regarding the influx of illegal immigrants, the minister assured that the government is taking preventive measures. He highlighted directives issued to the Home Department and the implementation of safeguards at all entry and exit points, including railway stations, airports, and interstate borders.

Referring to the Assam-Nagaland border, he described it as a key corridor that had been unregulated for an extended period. “Now we have regulated it and hope that no influx of illegal immigrants enters the state”, he said.

Jacob went on to state that the membership drive would be comprehensive, reaching all 60 assembly constituencies in Nagaland. He expressed confidence that the BJP would witness increased support in the upcoming elections, stating that many people in the state are willing to join the party because of its commitment to development.

“We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to bring Nagaland’s development on par with the rest of the country,” he added.

Benjamin Yepthomi, President of BJP Nagaland, revealed that the membership drive is being conducted in approximately 140 locations across the state, with over nine locations in Dimapur alone.

Stating that there is positive response from the public, he urged party supporters to participate in the drive. The membership would be valid for six years (2024-2030), he added.

Furthermore, Yepthomi maintained that the ENPO issue can only be solved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. They are keen on solving this issue and will do so in the coming days, he added.

Tovihoto Ayemi, Advisor of Tribal Affairs Department and Election, provided details about the two-phased membership drive, scheduled for September 1 to the 25th and October 1 to the 15th. He encouraged individuals to join the party either online or through manual forms, appealing to supporters to contribute to making India’s future right.

Also read: Nagaland Assembly discusses path forward on Naga political issue