Resolving Naga political issue govt’s highest priority: Governor

February 27, 2024 20 Views No Comment

‘Thrash out the final solution in a spirit of give and take’

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 27

Nagaland Governor, La Ganesan, today, asserted that the government continues to remain mindful of the “unresolved Naga Political Issue,” which he said, has been one of the major constraints in the pursuit of development and welfare goals.

“For the last many years, it has been the cherished dream of everyone in Nagaland to witness the final solution to the Naga Political Issue, and to live and work in a peaceful environment,” said Ganesan, in his address to the Fourth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), which commenced on February 26.

He called upon all the stakeholders to overcome their differences and any other remaining obstacles, and to thrash out the final solution in a spirit of give and take.

“My Government have been giving and will continue to give the highest importance to the peaceful resolution of the Naga Political Issue; and we will take every possible step in furthering and strengthening the ongoing peace process, and in playing the role of an active and constructive facilitator,” he added.

He thanked all the members of the NLA for their unflinching commitment and for coming together to form an opposition-less government to facilitate a peaceful and early resolution in the larger interest of our people.

“My Government is ready to pave the way for the final solution that is honourable, acceptable, and inclusive,” he reiterated.

Nagaland seeing peace
Ganesan maintained that the state is seeing a peaceful atmosphere and good law and order situation for the past many years.

“We continue to take steps for further improving the overall infrastructure of policing, upgrading the skill and capabilities of the police force in maintaining law and order and in controlling crime,” he said.

He informed that the Yimpang Platoon Post, 7th NAP Battalion at Bhandari, Wokha was recently inaugurated, while construction of multi-storied barracks for accommodation of 300 constable trainees each at PTS and NAPTC, in the Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima is being taken up.

The Nagaland Police Outreach & Civic Action-cum-Beat Patrolling Initiative through Mobile Police Subsidiary Canteens was also launched on January 22, 2024, aimed towards building a positive Police-Public partnership, based on mutual trust and co-operation.

The state police along with all other departments concerned have also launched the ‘War on Drugs’ to make the state free of the scourge of drugs and narcotics, Ganesan said.
Free Movement Regime

On the Government of India’s proposed move to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) on the Indo-Myanmar border, Ganesan said “This has evoked concern and anxiety among our people, especially those staying in the border areas.”

In view of the close tribal and family bonds shared by the people across the borders, and also the traditional ownership of land, in many cases, transcending the international boundary, he said, “We are seeking reconsideration of the decision by the Central Government, and for the continuance of the FMR.”

He informed that the state government has further requested the Central Government to make appropriate regulations for cross-border movement of people in consultation with the state government. While stating that the state government remains hopeful of an early and favourable response to the plea, he said, “We are also seeking to bring in the Village Council Authorities concerned in the entire system of regulations of the FMR for its proper and smooth implementation.”

On grievances of eastern Nagaland
Ganesan said, “We are also aware of the significant regional imbalances in the levels of socio-economic development that have continued to prevail in our state on account of certain historical and geographical reasons.”

Appreciating what he said were initiatives being taken by the Central Government to redress the grievances of the people of Eastern Nagaland, he maintained that the state government remains committed to suitably addressing all issues.

“At this juncture, the need of the hour is Naga unity; and the Nagas can achieve the much needed unity by remembering their shared and intertwined history, by respecting and caring for each other, and consciously nurturing the Naga brotherhood,” he said.

Later, Advisor for Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Excise Moatoshi Longkumer, moved the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address. Advisor for Information Technology and Communication, Economics and Statistics, Evaluation, Sethrongkyu seconded the Motion.