Nagaland
Rio calls for urgent consensus on Naga political issue
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio urged Naga political groups, stakeholders, and the Indian Government to swiftly find a consensus on the Naga political issue.
KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday called upon all the Naga political groups and all other stakeholders, and the Government of India, to “exhibit an even greater sense of urgency for bringing consensus on any unresolved issue, and for the sake of the people, bring about an inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution without any further delay.”
The chief minister in his address on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day celebration held at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima, maintained that the government remains deeply committed to an early solution to the Naga political issue which, he said, has always been at the top of the his government’s agenda.
“I reassure you of my government making every possible effort to this cause. The Political Affairs Committee constituted with the entire cabinet and elected members from those tribes who are not in the Cabinet will continue to hold serious consultations with all the stakeholders for an early solution,” he affirmed.
Rio said that the hopes of the people have further soared with the signing of the joint accordant in September last year between the NSCN (IM) and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) through the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), for the resolution of the Naga historical and political rights with the Government of India.
He also informed that in January this year, both the entities – NNPG and NSCN (IM) – have reiterated their unconditional commitment to collaborate for the resolution of the Naga political issue with the Government of India.
GoI looking into ENPO’s demands
The chief minister affirmed that the state government has been making every effort to reach out to every section and region to understand their aspirations. Rio however admitted that “despite our best efforts, the developmental deficit that had existed right from the beginning, still persists in some areas, particularly in the eastern districts of Nagaland.”
He said the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) resultantly, has been raising the grievances of the people from the areas of the eastern districts and have made certain demands. “I am happy those are being looked into by the Government of India to suitably address them,” he added.
Rio also maintained that the state government has been supporting the desire of the eastern districts to bridge the development deficit to bring them at par with the rest of the state, particularly in matters of infrastructure development, health and education facilities, livelihood opportunities and due representation in government service.
UCC not applicable to NE tribals
On the issue of the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country, Rio said that the state cabinet has urged the Law Commission to exempt Nagaland from the purview of UCC in view of its serious implications on the privileges guaranteed to Nagaland state under Article 371 (A).
“The Council of Ministers also met the Hon’ble Union Home Minister in this regard, and I am happy to share with you all, his assurance that UCC would not be applicable to the Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland and of the North East,” Rio said.
The chief minister also pointed out that the announcement of urban local bodies (ULB) elections, pursuant to the directions of the Supreme Court, was strongly opposed by the tribal bodies and several CSOs on the ground of possible infringement of Article 371 (A).
Heeding to the wishes of the people, Rio said the Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously decided not to go ahead with the ULB elections and repealed the Act, while resolving to bring a new legislation expeditiously.
Informing that the government is now in the process of taking steps for making a new act, in consultation with all stakeholders, he solicited the cooperation and guidance of every stakeholder.
Manipur issue: Appeal for peace
The chief minister also shared concerns about the “very disturbing situation” prevailing in the neighbouring state of Manipur.
Rio said the ethnic conflict in Manipur also affected Nagaland as it had to immediately relocate the students and citizens from there in the interest of their safety and well-being, in the first week of May 2023.
He lauded the officials and staff from the administration, the NST and the Nagaland Police, with assistance from the Assam Rifles, for safely bringing back more than 1300 people of the state from Manipur.
“We continue to, however, remain deeply concerned of the human atrocities committed and of large scale and arson of places of worship, particularly churches, in Manipur.
“We pray for good sense, peace and harmony to return, and fervently appeal to all the communities and groups in Manipur to give a chance and take urgent steps to resolve their differences amicably,” Rio said.