Restore special status to Eastern Nagaland with financial independence, suggests TNR

January 6, 2023 80 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 6 (MExN): The Naga Rising (TNR) has appealed to the people of Eastern Nagaland under the leadership of the ENPO and its federating tribe hohos to seek a solution from within, instead of separation from the present State of Nagaland.

A press release from the Naga Rising said that it understands that the 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,” it said.

It observed that any decision taken today 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.
The Naga Rising believed that separation from present Nagaland need not necessarily be the answer. All other alternative arrangements must be explored first, it said.

These “arrangements,” The Naga Rising suggested include restoring the special status (regional council) enjoyed by Eastern Nagaland under the erstwhile Tuensang area and recognizing it as a Special Development Region (SDR) with full financial independence, but under the administrative control of Nagaland.

It also suggested allocation of separate budget under special dispensation from the Union Government; and that 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 district.

It suggested that Eastern Nagaland should continue to be represented in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) through its elected MLAs.

The Naga Rising also asked the Nagaland Government to 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, it further said.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/restore-special-status-to-eastern-nagaland-with-financial-independence-suggests-tnr