Rio urges united front on Indo-Naga political issue

April 25, 2021 40 Views No Comment

Morung Express news
Kohima | April 25

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said that the that Framework Agreement signed by the NSCN (IM), the Agreed Position of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), and negotiations with other groups are important landmarks in present times.

Speaking as the inaugural guest at the 29th Biennial General Conference of the Angami Students’ Union (ASU), Rio stated that the centre has earlier recognised the Naga history as unique and also accepted that the issue is a political issue for which political talks are being held.

Rio stated that the Indo-Naga political issue is not of the NPGs or government alone, but of the Nagas as a whole. He therefore, said that it is imperative to move in a united front and take pride and recognition of the Naga people’s uniqueness.

The Chief Minister also observed that the Naga political issue has come a long way since the Simon Commission was signed in 1929. Just as the 16-point agreement was significant in giving us the recognition of a state, we should strive to arrive at a solution for the present generation and strengthen the position of the Nagas, he added.

On the issue of the Naga flag and constitution, Rio said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had categorically made it clear that Nagas could use their flag anywhere besides government and Indian union buildings or events. As for a separate constitution, Rio said Shah had asserted that it could be worked out with the help of experts only after the solution.

Working on RIIN legislation
The CM also commented on the issue of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and said the government was holding a series of consultative meetings with various civil society organisations to work out modalities which would avoid legal battles in the future.

Rio said the government was serious about it and was working in order to come out with a legislation that was without any loopholes. He said that after RIIN is implemented, village councils and tribal bodies would be harbingers of the certification and it would ensure transparency and smooth flow of the process.

While there was no dispute on the cut-off year of 1963 for the rest of the State, he said that since the Chümoukedima subdivision in Dimapur was created as a tribal belt only in 1979, ‘it would have to remain unchanged in order to avoid legal challenges in the court of law.’

In the field of education, the CM referred to the ‘exemplary performance’ of government schools in New Delhi where they have shown the way towards successful educational reforms by performing better than private schools. He called on all stakeholders and student leaders to reflect on the matter and put in efforts to reach out to students in underprivileged areas to ensure quality education for all.

The CM also updated on the COVID-19 vaccination drive and said that only about 15% of the general population and 50-60% of the frontline workers in the state have taken the vaccination. He pointed out that higher hesitancy level is still prevalent among the people and urged the students to create mass awareness.

During the morning session, 93 year-old Rev Beilie-ü Shüya, the first Vice President of the Kohima Sub-Division Students’ Conference shared her blessings and greetings virtually. Earlier, greetings were also conveyed by the Presidents of Angami Public Organization (APO) and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).

ASU President, Vizokho Zashümo delivered the presidential address and Convener of Organising Committee Kesosul Christopher Ltu shared the keynote address. The programme chair was Aja Zinyü, Tribunal General and invocation was pronounced by Pastor Rokovilie Zashümo, Phesama Baptist Church.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/rio-urges-united-front-on-indo-naga-political-issue