Scholars, governor talk issues confronting people, state

Dimapur, June 3 (EMN): Members of the Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) and the governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, met on June 1 in New Delhi. During the interactions they are said to have talked about a number of issues confronting Nagaland including those associated with development, Citizenship Bill, and the Indo-Naga political negotiations, among others.
The NSA issued a press release on Monday informing about the interaction in Nagaland House, at New Delhi.
Governor Acharya was stated to have “impressed upon” the scholars there about several issues concerning the Naga society: ‘Underdevelopment, unemployment, poor education system, and disunity among the Nagas.’

On its part, the association sought the attention of the governor to “shed light on crucial issues that is confronting the Naga society across borders.” The group raised issues about ‘the inordinate delay of the Indo-Naga political negotiation” and “the stalemate of the negotiation wherein the government of India has a crucial share of responsibility.’

A similar issue the NSA raised was that of the militarization in the Naga areas of India and along the Indo-Myanmar borders; and Human Rights violations.

Likewise, the association broached the issue of the controversial bill The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill of 2016 which has attracted “much protest” from different sections of the society including the Northeast region.

Another issue the association broached before the governor, the updates stated, was the ‘prevailing corruption in Nagaland including backdoor appointment systems in teachers’ recruitment.’

In response to the issues the association raised, the press release stated, the governor gave his views: “On the stalemate of the Indo-Naga political negotiation, he opined that the matter should be left to the negotiators.”

Acharya felt that the scholars and members of other civil society groups should be proactive to address the issue of “corrupt system in Nagaland state,” the press release stated.

“He, however, did not give out his views on the issues of militarization, AFSPA and human rights violations in the Naga areas.”

The discussion was followed by a dinner in Tamil Nadu House hosted by the governor, the press release added.