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File Photo: SC Jamir addressing an event during the Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage village Kisama on Saturday.[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 14 (EMN): Marking yet another deviation from his years of ‘equi-distance’ policy – under which the then government of Nagaland had decided to keep all Naga armed political groups at arm’s length – the former chief minister, Dr. SC Jamir has called for an end to what he called was ‘political polemics’.
Rather, in a lengthy statement issued on Friday, Jamir has asked the Naga people to unite and – this really indicates the shift in political stance – to “recognise the contemporary political reality” and, thus, urge upon the government of India to hammer out an honourable solution to ‘the Naga problem without any further delay.’
“It is expected that whatever agreement is drawn up would be in the best interests of the Nagas. Meanwhile, the central government should be honest and bold enough to make public the full contents of the framework agreement to the people of Nagaland.
“With the dawn of a new political environment, the people of Nagaland can embark upon once again a well-ordered and progressive administration to promote rapid economic development of the state in order to catch up with the rest of the country. This would require renewed determination, dedication and commitment for the people of Nagaland. Let the final political settlement be made first,” the statement read.
Interestingly, Jamir contended that the pace of development in Nagaland should have picked up after agreements of cease-fire were signed between the government of India and various Naga armed groups. “Sadly, that has not happened due to political instability, rank misgovernance and rampant corruption indulged in by those in power.
“As a result of all this, Nagaland is now perceived as a failed State while the rest of India has marched ahead,” he stated. Two key ceasefire agreements were signed during Jamir’s tenure as the chief minister of Nagaland, even though he was openly against one of the groups.
He then cited ‘poor governance, gun culture, and corruption’ as the ‘negative factors’ that have contributed to stunting development in Nagaland.
Further, the former chief minister suggested four measures to counter the arrest in development: right choice of people’s representatives, creation of a safe environment for investment and development, creation of avenues for employment of youth, and good governance.
