EMN
Meluri, April 2
Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Saturday appealed to the public to come together and work out an early solution to the protracted Naga political problem which he said had been a stumbling block for the overall development of the State for the last many decades.
Addressing a well-attended gathering at Meluri on the occasion of upgradation of Meluri Town Adhoc Committee to a full-fledged town committee, the Chief Minister said the need of the hour is to solve the political problem so as to ensure the people reap the fruits of good governance and all-round development.
“As of now, we have 9 factions of the Naga Political Groups, and if we do not find a solution fast, in a few years more factions may crop up which will only compound the problem,” he said and asked if the “present generation of leaders from all walks of life would like to bequeath the future Naga generations with an unsolved political problem.”
“Ever since I took over the Government in May 2014, my Government have strived and worked out an opposition-less Government. Earlier, when there was Opposition in the Government we could not agree on various issues and the Assembly had witnessed some members walking out of the Assembly to lodge their protests. But now, all the legislators have come together under the NPF-led DAN Government, and we are now all agreed on various issues including early solution to the Naga political problem,” the Chief Minister said.
“My Government had also formed a Parliamentary Working Committee which has legislators from all Naga tribes. This PWC had met the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Interlocutor and leaders of the NPGs on various occasions and I am happy to tell you that we have been assured all sections of the society would be taken into confidence so as to work out an honourable solution which is acceptable to all. We have also been assured on many occasions that all the stakeholders would be taken aboard while finalising on the Naga Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 between the NSCN (IM) and the Interlocutor at New Delhi in the presence of the Prime Minister. As recent as March 9 last, we had met leaders of six NPGs at Chumukedima in a Consultative Meet, and different views and opinions were recorded.
“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the public to also come forward and air their views and opinions, participate in the peace process so that our common political destiny can be decided which is acceptable to all of us. We should not be silent spectators at this juncture, nor should we create hurdles to those parties working out a solution – we should actively participate and support any move that will bring permanent peace in our land,” the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister appeals to womenfolk
On the occasion of upgradation of Meluri Adhoc Town Council to full-fledged Town Council, the Chief Minister appealed to the womenfolk to accept 25% nominations to the Urban Local Bodies with full voting rights on an experimental basis to begin with.
“Instead of 33% reservation which is vehemently opposed by our tribal organisations, I appeal to the womenfolk to accept 25% nominated seats to the ULBs with full voting rights, and if it is found necessary and viable we can have more reservations for our women. I also appeal to the menfolk to change the mindset in tune with the changing times and together with our women, work together hand in hand for the uplift of our people,” he said.
He also pointed out that due to the matter been kept pending in the Supreme Court, the State Government had been unable to utilise annually Rs 40 crore sanctioned by the Government of India for the ULBs.
“Upgradation to Town Council will not benefit the people of the towns much if the Court issue is not resolved at the earliest and we will continue to lose out on funds meant for the ULBs. I therefore, appeal to our womenfolk to withdraw the case from the Supreme Court and work together with the menfolk so that the purpose of having ULBs is not defeated.
In the last few months, the Chief Minister had inaugurated upgradations of four small towns to full fledged Councils, namely, Aboi, Noklak, Shamatore and Meluri.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister, School Education, Yitachu who represents Meluri Assembly Constituency, and Parliamentary Secretary for Department of Municipal Affairs, Eco & Statistics Tohanba.
Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for School Education & SCERT, Yitachu who is also the local MLA of the area, in his address said that the upgradation of the Town Council comes with greater responsibilities for its members and the people of the town. Stating that it is now the responsibility of the people to upgrade the condition of the town up to the expectation of the Municipal Affairs department, he urged upon the citizens to renew their thoughts towards improving the roads, water system, drainage, power supply, proper sanitation and also inculcate greater civic sense.
He also maintained that as a full-fledged town council, its members should not just expect funds for development but they must also take up responsibilities towards revenue generation for taking forward developmental activities.
Delivering a short speech, parliamentary secretary for Municipal Affairs, R Tohanba said the government in coordination with the Municipal Affairs department, recently granted full-fledged town councils to Noklak, Shamatore and Meluri, considering the representation of the tribes while Aboi was taken as special case. He stated that with the launching of the town council, funds for infrastructure development and requirements of the citizens of the town as well as house for urban poor would be provided by the government.
Pochury Hoho president, Penthu, while acknowledging the government for granting full-fledged Town Council to Meluri, submitted a memorandum appealing for setting up of a sub-treasury office, police outpost in Avakhung, appointment of political assistant to ADC Meluri and government job reservation for people from Pochury community.
Regarding the demands, the Chief Minister asserted to consult with the department and also take them up in the Cabinet meeting for approval.
Deputy Commissioner Phek, Murohu Chotso chaired the programme while Pastor of Baptist Church Meluri Town, Rev. Tivishe invoked God’s blessing and Parish Priest St Xavier’s Pariah Meluri, Rev. Fr. Jose Lukose pronounced the benediction.
