Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 6
A crucial consultative meet organized by the Government of Nagaland with the political parties, tribal hohos (organizations), civil societies and student bodies here today affirmed to stand strong to uphold the rights of the Naga people while also asking the Government of India to be sincere in implementing the Constitutionally guaranteed special privileges under Article 371(A). The three-hours meeting held at the Capital Convention Centre here today was addressed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on the Special Economic Development Zone while presentations were also made on Rules of Executive Business of the State Government by Additional Chief Secretary CJ Ponraj, provisions under Article 371(A) of the Constitution by President of High Court Bar Association Kohima Timikha Koza ad Petroleum and Natural Gas in relation to Article 371(A) of the Constitution by Minister for Geology and Mining T R Zeliang and Secretary Justice & Law Department, K N Chishi.
No concrete resolution were adopted after the thread-bare discussion, between the speakers in the consultative meet, which included CM, Parliamentary Secretaries and representatives from Naga Hoho and Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation. The bodies affirmed that Naga people should shun all differences and stand together in fighting for the special rights guaranteed to the Nagas under the Constitution.
CM Rio in his address described the consultative meet as historic and important to understand the genesis of Nagaland statehood and the actual problem faced by Naga people now.
He recalled that Nagaland was established as the 16th state under the Indian Union in 1963 following the signing of the 16 Point Agreement as an outcome of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC).
Nonetheless, he said that the 16 Point Agreement is now under question by the Government of India as the state government through the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has received letters asking to take away the rights and agreement stating that it is unconstitutional.
“We are within the rights and under the Constitution, but it is the Government of India which has become unconstitutional,” he said while reiterating that the state of Nagaland shall stand by its regulations but if the GoI feels necessary, it can approach the Court.
On the issue of ownership and transfer of land which has also been guaranteed to the Nagas under Article 371(A), he said “we respect GoI, and when we explore, produce, pricing we will take their support etc but we cannot agree to share the ownership of our land with anybody”.
He further reminded that others will take advantage if we do not implement and go forward with the framed rules what has been passed in the assembly.
On the Rules of Executive Business, especially with regard to transfer and posting of officers in the state, Rio said that the state cabinet has decided like other states of the country Nagaland too will not send the files of promotion, transfers and postings to the Governor for approval.
He said “none of the states in the country seeks the approval of the governor for promotions, transfers and postings of government officers below the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police”.
Rio also presented a concept note on the Special Economic Development Zone and Foothill Super Highway. He added that the Deputy Commissioners will be taking up the matter with the civil societies of the respective districts to identify the SDZs but the matter is brought before the apex civil society bodies to validate and endorse.
Minister for Planning and Co-ordination, Evaluation, Geology and Mining, T.R. Zeliang, updated the house on the view of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in relation to Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.He also enlightened the house on the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India, letters to the Chief Minister from the Minister Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, letters to the Chief Secretary Nagaland from the Director, Ministry of Petroleum &Natural Gas Government of India, Assembly resolution 2010, Consultative meeting resolution held on 12th July 2013.
T.R. Zeliang appealed to all the tribes to be united and felt that the Government of the day and the people of Nagaland should speak in one voice to uphold Article 371 (A). “We must be firm on our own feet and carry forward”, he concluded.
President High Court Bar Association Timikha Koza giving a presentation of Article 371(A) of the Constitution and its interpretation, reaffirmed that the Bar has resolved to resolutely defend the rights guaranteed under Article 371(A) and invited all the civil societies, NGOs and public in general to come forward to take a united stand in defending the special provision.
Pointing out that the issues of 16 Point Agreement and Article 371(A) of the constitution are being discussed after 50 years of Statehood in an open public forum without any hesitations, Timikha said that it was painful to observe that what the Government of India has given to the Nagas as a special provision by the right hand was trying to take back with its left hand one by one. Towards this, he cited the examples of (i) Transfer of the State of Nagaland from External Affairs Ministry to Home Ministry (ii) Removal of Nagaland from special funding pattern in 1989 and (iii) now trying to interfere in the ownership of land and its resources.
He felt that at this critical juncture, we could not remain silent spectators by accepting all the actions of the Government of India without making any protest. Timikha called upon the civil societies, NGOs, Naga public and the Government of Nagaland for concerted effort in demanding from the Government of India to restore the State of Nagaland to the earlier original status which was unilaterally and arbitrarily withdrawn by the Government of India.
Additional Chief Secretary, P&AR, C.J. Ponraj highlighted on the various aspects of Rules of Executive Business and pointed out Article 74 and 166 which explains the provisions of Government of India and State Government to run the affairs of day to day business. He also explained Rules 34(i) and Rule 34(ii) which deals with the lists to be referred to the Chief Secretary and to the Governor.
Secretary, Justice & Law, K.N. Chishi also highlighted on the provision and rights of Article 371(A) and the formation of Nagaland State. Representative from tribal hohos, civil societies and politicians of different parties also participated in the discussion.
Chairing the meet, Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir in his opening remarks said that the consultative meet was convened as it is very important for the government to take the views of the people into consideration as the policies concerns the general public.
Subsequently, representatives from Naga Hoho, ENPO and Naga People’s Front extended support to the government in amending the Executive Rules of Business while also asking the state government to be firm in taking up the rights of the Naga people as per the special provisions guaranteed by the Constitution.
