Dimapur, Jan. 5 (EMN): The Naga Rising (TNR) has appealed to the people of eastern Nagaland under the leadership of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and its federating tribal hohos, to seek a solution from within, instead of separation from the present state of Nagaland.
“We understand that the genuine grievances presented by the ENPO merits immediate attention and major correction. The fruits of development have not reached the grassroots. The wide development gap and governance deficit is at the core of the problem, which has contributed to the present grievances and alienation,” TNR stated in a press release.
TNR stated that its appeal for unity of “our peoples and lands” is based on the premise that any decision taken should not be driven by short-term gains, but rather it must serve the larger interest of the Naga people and their aspiration for peace, reconciliation and a common territorial and political entity.
“We believe that separation from present Nagaland need not necessarily be the answer. All other alternative arrangements must be explored first,” it stated.
The alternative arrangements suggested by TNR include:
• Restoring the special status (regional council) enjoyed by eastern Nagaland under the erstwhile Tuensang area and recognising it as a Special Development Region (SDR) with full financial independence, but under the administrative control of Nagaland.
• Allocation of separate budget may be considered under special dispensation from Union Government.
• Except for administration including law and order, which may be under the Government of Nagaland, all other subjects/powers may be delegated/exercised by the regional council or legislature, consisting of elected representatives of each ENPO districts.
• Eastern Nagaland should continue to be represented in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly through its elected MLAs.
•Nagaland government may also explore the option to create a separate ministry, similar to DoNER, which will deal exclusively for the ENPO areas under a full-fledged cabinet minister from the region.
• The prospect of increasing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats by one each, which can be reserved for ENPO areas, could be explored with the Government of India.
