Difficulties are due to the delay in resolving the pol. problem — NPCC

Dimapur, Sep. 24 (EMN): Expressing concern over the delay in resolving the Naga political problem, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Monday called Nagaland as “the most unliveable state” with many problems and said that all the difficulties confronting the state are due to the unsolved political problem.

The NPCC president, K Therie, in a press statement informed that the party’s PAC meeting held on Sep. 24 discussed and expressed ‘concern over the painful life that public traverse in Nagaland’.

The PAC considered Nagaland state as “the most unliveable state” in view of “the dilapidated roads, internal disturbances, fear, corruption, backwardness and lawlessness in the state”.

“GOI, state and naga national workers are at peace. They all hunt the public as their prey for food (tax). The public must be relieved from being hunted as prey without protection,” stated Therie.

While saying that the PAC considers all these difficulties are due to the delay in resolving the political problem, Therie said that the committee, however, after reading through the 213th Parliamentary Standing Committee Report of Home Affairs, appreciates the difficulties and realities of negotiation. It also appreciated the GoI for at last hearing the voice of the people for inclusive talks and said that it has been the Congress’ policy and commitment to endeavour for solving the political problem through non-violence and constitutional means.

“We continue to appeal to the NNC/FGN and NSCN (K) and the government of India to open talks. NPCC believes in negotiation and not in war to solve the problem,” said Therie.

He expressed belief that the Nagas are united in finding peaceful solution.

“There is little or no reason to divide. The cause is one, the objective is one, solution will be one and the future will be one. Even after solution, we will live together, as we do today with our inherent culture, customs and social practices,” said the NPCC chief while saying that the party believes that

The PAC also appealed government of India to be reasonable with the citizens and the naga national workers to appreciate the predicaments of the public.

“The committee is unanimous that public aspiration is for peace, freedom, development and opportunities. We feel this should be the basis in finding political solution,” Therie stated.

Meanwhile, with regard to the natural disaster that struck the state recently, the PAC also expressed pain to note that the central government has failed to provide the estimated amount of INR 800 crore in damage cost.

Saying that the PAC assumes that the centre has trust deficit with the state, Therie said that the central government might have thought that the state government would only misuse the relief fund.

“Relief grants are not rights but are a gift and it is the mindset of the giver. It is hopes that the little precious gift will be used for the purpose without slashing,” said Therie.