Naga issue not property of any party: CM

Morung Express News
Kohima | March 24

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today said that the Naga political issue and the Naga political movement is not the private property or domain of any party, organisation or individual.

Responding to MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu in his concluding remarks on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address, Rio remarked “to say that only one party is the champion of the Naga political issue is totally unreasonable and far from the reality of the given present situation.”
In fact, he stated that every Naga is a direct stakeholder in the Naga aspiration for genuine peace and honourable solution, adding that it is because of the contributions of all sections of people, that the Naga movement has reached thus far.
“Our history and culture has been recognised as unique and political negotiations are ongoing at the highest level. Claiming to be the sole champion and the only party that stands for Naga issue is unacceptable and disrespectful to all Nagas across generations” stated Rio.
While the contributions and sacrifices of past leaders and political parties are acknowledged and not denied, he however viewed that to say that only one party has made contributions and it is the only champion is unreasonable and the owner will create mistrust, disunity and one will be ridiculed by the public. 
The members were urged not to make political rhetoric and play to galleries, but rather be practical, realistic, and honest and work collectively and “send out the right message of oneness so that other sections also take our lead and forge unity.”

Don’t undermine the 
mandate of the people 
Rio threw a word of caution that politicians should be cautious with what they utter, in response to the statement made by Nienu that election is driven by money power.
The mandate, wisdom and intelligence of the people cannot be undermined, said Rio adding that “the electorate has spoken and to say that money power was the determining factor is disrespect to our fellow citizens including the very electors who voted for you also.”
Rather, he viewed “all of us including the political parties should self-introspect and try to understand the dynamics of the electoral results” and should not make blanket statements that paint the state and its citizens in poor light.
“Let us respect each other, and if we are indeed saying that we are humbled by being re-elected, then we should respect the mandate of the masses” stated Rio.

On illegal immigrants
On the issue of illegal immigrants, the CM said the government has been taking steps in ensuring that the State in no manner faces any problem in this matter.
Subsequently, he pointed out that it has shifted to the online regime for ILP for online permit, extended the ILP regime to Dimapur which had always remained outside the purview of ILP and took various other administrative measures. 
Also, to completely curb the possibility of issues of fake Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate and protecting the right of the Indigenous people of the State, Rio maintained that it is in the process of taking several administrative and structural measures for strengthening the procedure for identification, scrutiny and issue of Indigenous certificate.

Foothills Road 
construction
Rio informed that the State Government is making all necessary efforts for the early construction of the foothill road understanding the potential to boost economic activities in a large part of the State.
He also clarified that the exact length of Foothills Road in kilometres, which has been mentioned as 320 kilometre, is a function of the alignment, geometrics of the road, as well as the already existing stretches of National Highways falling on the route, which also have to be taken into account. 
In due course, he informed that firming up the alignment; the figures may vary slightly, a natural exercise, which is there in every big road project. 
Rio also categorically stated that the Foothills Road being planned is from Tizit to Khelma, only.

Increase in 
production of meat
On the need to increase production of meat as pointed out by G Kaito Aye, Rio said the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) is working to support piggery, goatery, poultry to meet the meat demand in the State through local progressive entrepreneurs with the support from the ministry. 
He hoped it would be possible to adequately meet the State’s demand for meat to a great extent within the next 2-3 years time.

Veterinary College at Jalukie
On being asked the status of the Veterinary College at Jalukie under Peren district by Aye, the CM said the college comes under the direct control and supervision of the Central Agriculture University Imphal. 
The State Government, he informed, is not directly involved in the management and other developmental matters of the college. However, he added that it is always ready to extend support the College may require for its growth   

Up-gradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic, Atoizu 
On the up-gradation of Khelhoshe Polytehcnic, Atoizu to a Degree college, Rio said the Institute is qualified and eligible to introduce Degree Engineering Course after getting the NBA accreditation. 
The land and other matters, he informed have been sorted out to the satisfaction of everyone, and necessary DPR has already been submitted to AICTE while the government is pursuing and is hopeful of the up-gradation happening soon.