MLA Kikon for reinstatement of Nagaland under Ministry of External Affairs
NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon suggested that the Nagaland Assembly demands the reinstatement of Nagaland state under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- KOHIMA — NPF MLA Achumbemo Kikon on Tuesday
suggested that the Nagaland Assembly demands the reinstatement of Nagaland
state under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- The 16-Point Agreement signed between the Government of
India and the Naga People's Convention stated that the ministry in charge for
Nagaland will be the Ministry of External Affairs.
- “We should demand that Nagaland should be kept within the
External Affairs,” he said while participating in the debate on the Governor's
speech.
- Subsequent to the signing of the 16-point Agreement in 1960,
Nagaland state was placed under the External Affairs Ministry. However, in
1972, the state was brought under the Ministry of Home.
- Kikon said he is not aware under what circumstances Nagaland
was brought under the Ministry of Home Affairs from the External Affairs. He
observed that this shift has “created havoc” and urged for reinstatement of the
state under the MEA.
- He advocated that the resolutions adopted during the
September 12, 2024 meeting with stakeholders should be pursued.
- The NPF MLA also urged the house to reiterate the resolution
for integration of Nagaland contiguous area, which the NLA had already passed
eight times.
- Raising concern over incidences of persecution of Christians
in some Indian states, he called upon the house to extend solidarity to
Christians facing persecutions across the country.
- Further, Kikon urged the government to look into the alleged
“excessive” public harassment by the Assam Rifles, particularly in Kohima. He
suggested that government make alternative arrangements for the AR to shift out
of towns and crowded areas.
