Dimapur, Dec. 21 (EMN): The lone Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Nagaland, KG Kenye called on the president of India, Ramnath Kovind at New Delhi recently to discuss various issues concerning Nagaland, according to a statement from the MP’s office on Friday.
“He sought the consent of the president to repel Arm Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which was passed in the year 1942 by the British India colonial (sic) to suppress the independence movement of Quit India Movement. In the year 1948, this AFSPA which is considered as ‘draconian law’ was discussed in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights with the members of the United Nations which is popularly known as Geneva Convention and declared not to formulate this kind of Act where India was one of the signatories. However, after ten years of the declaration, the Indian government had promulgated this Act upon the state of Nagaland against its own citizens which is being enforced till today,” the statement read.
While asserting that Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution could not be “encroached upon”, Kenye lamented New Delhi was yet to implement provisions of said article “in letter and spirit.” Towards this, he sought the intervention of the president to ensure Nagaland explores its own natural recourses, especially oil and natural gas.
“The MP reiterated that in the year 1972 the zonal council was dissolved and the Northeast Council was constituted as a direct consequence of Bangladesh partition whereas the entire region is extremely sensitive and strategic area of the nation. Taking into account the World War II, 1962 Chinese aggression and 1971 East Pakistan War wherein the battleground was exclusively within the boundary of Eastern Region also compounded with the fact that this region is bounded by 5 countries.
“Therefore a separate and administrative centre had to be established because of the distance with the national capital and also in order to accommodate an appropriate platform for Nagaland which was under External Affairs Ministry from 1960-72. This arrangement of creating the NEC was conceptualised and an Act was passed by both the houses of Parliament. So, far from downgrading NEC into a research Institute which will completely defeat the original policy of the centre, it should be upgraded in every aspect and the council should be strengthened for better administrative and general development programmes for the region,” he said.
On the Indo-Naga political issue, he said the talks have been gaining momentum. Hence, he urged the government of India to seize this opportunity to bring about an honourable and acceptable settlement to avoid further bi-products, which has the potential to overshadow the main issue.
“He also requested the president to take up with the government state-of-the-art international airport in the state Nagaland to which the president assured the MP to consider the proposal on priority,” the statement read.
