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A total INR 70,06,500 was contributed to the chief minister's relief fund by legislators and functionaries of the People's Democratic Alliance MLAs, who contributed a month's salary to assist and support relief and rehabilitation efforts for those affected by natural calamities.[/caption]
Dimapur, Aug. 11 (EMN): While asserting its commitment to ‘pave the way for an alternative arrangement’ expected to come out of the Indo-Naga talks, the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) has appealed to those engaged in the negotiation, particularly the government of India, to expedite the process.
The appeal from the ruling PDA was made following a meeting of its legislators and members of the alliance’s coordination committee in the State Banquet Hall in Kohima, on Saturday.
A PDA statement read: “We urge all sections of Naga society to come together under a spirit of unity and oneness, so that together we strengthen the peace process and create an environment that is congenial for successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations.”
It also reiterated the alliance’s decision to continue to play the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing political negotiations. “The PDA supports the desire of the Naga people for the integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas, which has been passed as resolutions in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on four occasions.
“The PDA has been supporting this legitimate and democratic right of the people, consistently. The PDA appeals to our neighbouring states to appreciate the history and democratic rights of the Nagas under a spirit of mutual respect so that we can live together as good neighbours under an environment of harmonious coexistence and brotherhood.”
On the recent emergency caused by the monsoon rains, the PDA expressed grief and condolences with the families who lost lives; to all citizens who had been displaced and are facing difficulties in different parts of the state.
It also conveyed appreciation to the government of India and the various central agencies ‘for their positive response and timely interventions’ during the time of calamities wrought by the monsoon rains in Nagaland.
The alliance acknowledged the efforts of the entire state government’s machineries for their effort during the emergency. “The PDA government extends appreciation to all sections of society, who have come forward in a positive manner to extend assistance and support to the efforts of relief and rehabilitation.
“The contribution of one month’s salary from PDA MLAs and party functionaries, donations from government employees and individuals, who have contributed in a voluntary manner to the chief minister’s relief fund is appreciated. This gesture sends out the right message that the larger Naga family is together, in support of the suffering citizens, in action and in deed,” the statement read.