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Chief minister, TR Zeliang, along with his colleagues being escorted to the venue of Lao-ong Mo festival celebration of the Konyak community in Mon town on September 29.[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 30 (EMN): With major road projects in the offing, State chief minister, TR Zeliang, said Nagaland will become the main nerve centre of connectivity for the North eastern states with the South Asian countries, which in turn will boost trade and tourism sectors and immensely contribute towards the progress of the Nagas.
Speaking at the Lao-ong Mo festival celebration, the post festival of the Konyak community, in Mon town on September 29, Zeliang specifically highlighted the major tourism and road projects currently under implementation and urged upon the gathering to cooperate for completion of the development projects within a stipulated time.
Referring to the recently held North East Connectivity summit in Kohima, Zeliang said it was resolved to create North East Ring Road where the Konyak lands will play a major role since it borders with two neighbouring states- Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India and on the other side with Myanmar. This will create new opportunity for trade, commerce and tourist destination, which the Nagas must be prepared to take full advantage of it, Zeliang added.
Lauding the Konyak community with so many unique qualities such as Anghship system; specialisation in metal casting -especially brass casting; gun making; traditional tattooing and other unique cultural features, and being the biggest tribe spreading over Assam, Arunachal and Myanmar, he said Konyak tribe can play special role in showcasing social, cultural and unique identity of the Nagas to the world. He also lauded the Konyak Union (KU) for successfully organising the Lao-on Mo, which is the post harvest festival of thanksgiving to the Almighty God for blessing and bountiful harvest in true spirit of upholding the traditions.
Opposing the proposed border fencing along the Nagaland-Myanmar border by Government of India, Zeliang has rather suggested developing the area with proper connectivity so that people across the border could live in peace and prosperity. Also adding that there is no border dispute from both Myanmar and Nagaland which shares the same cultures and traditions since time immemorial, he said construction of fencing along the border will only alienate the people and create unnecessary impediment. He was of the opinion that developmental activities in the border area will discourage insurgency.
The chief minister also assured to maintain transparency and accountability while implementing developmental projects and schemes. Towards this end, he said the government has initiated the process of displaying name of department, implementing agency/contractor, amount sanctioned, period of completion etc in all projects sites.
Asserting that building of good roads in the State is the topmost priority, Zeliang assured to change the face of Nagaland within two-three years time if the landowners do not create problem. He said the State government is all out to protect Article 371(A) which ensured landownership rights. He, however, stated that there are some road schemes like SRDP where there is no provision for land compensation, except for building and damages of other properties during the course of implementing projects. As such, he said people should understand and be reasonable and allow development to take place.
A CMO press release today quoted Zeliang as saying that he had already held meeting with the Deputy Commissioners and tribal hohos of five districts namely Mokokchung, Longleng, Zunheboto, Phek and Mon in regards to land compensation issue on SRDP road projects, wherein all the participants had agreed to cooperate with the government and allow road projects to continue.
Zeliang also disclosed that he had already accorded emergency fund of Rs 5 crores for maintenance of Namtola-Mon road and the work has been allotted to three firms.
The chief minister also said that he will convene a meeting of all concerned departments, tribal hohos and other stakeholders next month to discuss and work out the methods for improvement of roads in the State. Besides, Zeliang said he is trying to bring some foreign investment for buildings some important roads between Myanmar and Nagaland.
In order to boost tourism, Zeliang said the State government have started developing tourist circuit in the State under Swadesh Dharshan in phase manner. The first phase covered Peren, Kohima and Wokha districts, while the second phase covered Mokokchung, Tuensang and Mon districts. He said Zunheboto, Longleng and Kiphire districts will be taken up in the 3rd phase.
While referring to the recently held talks between the Working Group of NNPGs and the Interlocutor RN Ravi, Zeliang expressed happiness to see all Naga political groups coming together with one approach and one vision towards political dialogue for permanent settlement.
Stating that Nagas have suffered long enough during its 70 years of political struggle, Zeliang made a fervent appealed to all Nagas to extend fullest support to the peace process and lend continuous prayer for early settlement.
Also stating that the stability of the State government is of paramount importance for bringing about speedy development in the State and early settlement of the Naga political problem, Zeliang said he managed to formed a non opposition government to usher in unity among the legislators to work jointly for uplift of the people.
While referring to RSS-Heraka nexus allegations against him by his adversaries, Zeliang advised the gathering not to mix religion with politics, adding the NPF led DAN government will continue to maintain its stand of “regional in content and national in outlook.” He has attributed all achievements in the past four years to good relationship with NDA government at the centre.