Need to move swiftly for Naga solution: Ravi

Correspondent KOHIMA, FEB 12 (NPN) : Nagaland Governor, R.N. Ravi asserted that political negotiations between the Government of India and the Naga Groups over the past many years has “concluded” and that there was now a need for efforts to build on the substantial gains made so far and move swiftly for the final solution.

Addressing the inaugural session seventh session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Ravi reminded the house on what was described as “historic consultative meeting” at Kohima on October 15, 2020 where all the tribal hohos, civil society organizations, political parties and representatives of various other sections of the society deliberated on the Naga Political issue. He said the meeting was held to reiterate “one solution for the Naga Political Issue” after which a seven-point resolution was unanimously adopted.

Ravi said that even as the entire nation was fighting COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre’s focus for the past many months, was for early resolution to the long-drawn Naga political issue. He also referred to the December 18, 2020 joint statement issued by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and leader of opposition TR Zeliang which welcomed the positive approach of the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah in expediting the ongoing peace talks and urging upon all Naga groups to come together under a spirit of reconciliation, mutual trust and understanding, and strive with sincerity.

He said the joint statement also urged upon Naga organisations to uphold the values of reconciliation and non-violence in the interest of the future of Naga people.

Law and order: Ravi described the law and order situation in the State as largely peaceful though admitting that there were some localised incidents. However, he said these were contained with swiftness by the district administration and police and called upon people to hat Nagas must continue to strengthen the capabilities of Nagaland Police.

To enhance tackling crime against women, he said a woman police station at Kiphire was established which will also cover all 11 districts. He said the government also intended to establish one such police station in the newly-created Noklak district soon.

To improve technical capacities in fighting cyber crime, Ravi informed that a Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children Lab-cum-Training Centre (CCPWC) was made operational with cyber cells set up in all districts to investigate cyber crimes.

He also mentioned that Nagaland Police has set up “anti-extortion cells” in all districts to work in close coordination with other law enforcement and security agencies to tackle the menace of extortion and curb illegal taxation and other illegal activities. The governor said police had played an exceptional role in enforcing SOPs and transporting essential goods during the fight against COVID-19.

Health: He appreciated doctors, nurses and all frontline workers for their determined and selfless services while battling COVID-19 under very demanding circumstances, even as the mortality rate due to the virus remained relatively less in Nagaland than other States. He also thanked mass-based organisations and churches for their whole-hearted support to the government in its fight against COVID-19.

Ravi expressed satisfaction with the State Government for successfully combating the COVID-19 pandemic by setting up three BSL labs when the state did not have even a single testing lab besides acquiring 32 TrueNat machines. He said capacities were enhanced by private healthcare providers who walked hand-in-hand in the fight against COVID-19, while the State government took steps to increase the number of health professionals and workers in public health facilities by creating 134 posts of doctors, 221 posts of nurses, 23 posts of technicians and 12 posts for the BSL labs.

He informed the House that the Health & family welfare department was setting up medical oxygen generation plants in 10 district hospitals and Jalukie community health centre with a total generation capacity of 1,680 litre of oxygen per minute, which would reduce dependence on pre-filled oxygen cylinders and ensure ready availability of bedside oxygen for patients.

Acknowledging that the pandemic-induced lockdown had adversely affected many economic activities, affecting revenue generation and receipt, the governor said the government had effected a 15% pro-rata cut of various expenditure items both under Non-Development and Development Outlay to reduce expenditure.

Against the budgeted State’s share of Union Taxes and Duties of Rs 4,493.37 crore reflected in the Union budget and incorporated into State budget, he said it was now estimated at Rs 3,151.38 crore only due to the extended lockdown.

Ravi said, following the line of Central government, Nagaland too had frozen three instalments of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, besides putting a total ban on new appointments and purchase of vehicles. He said the measures were taken to save precious resources to combat COVID-19 as well as to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on State’s finances.

Obituary references: After the governor’s address, Leader of the House and chief minister Neiphiu Rio made obituary references to the passing away of former President Pranab Mukherjee and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer also made obituary references to the passing away of Mukherjee, Paswan, former governor Dr Ashwini Kumar, former minister and sitting legislator CM Chang, former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and former NLA member Lungbe Meru.

Adviser Namri Nchang moved the motion of thanks on the governor’s address, while advisor Haiying seconded the motion.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/need-to-move-swiftly-for-naga-solution-ravi/228703.html