Principal Correspondent
Kohima, May 23
The newly elected MP and incumbent Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, today called upon the Naga people to put all heads together, including state government, Naga political groups, civil societies and NGOs to work as a facilitator and find logical conclusion to the decades-old Naga political issue.
Speaking at the state send-off programme held in his honour at The Heritage here tonight, Rio said “Modiji, the Prime Minister-designate, is a performer and he takes decision only when he can do it, and with such a strong government and leadership, they will be decisive even for Naga political issue.”
He, therefore, said, “We Nagas should not be caught napping but all of us have to exercise out minds to bring the NPI to a logical solution, which is acceptable and honourable.” Nagas have to be realistic and should not run away from the responsibilities as we cannot fool our people but we should be able to speak the truth and say what is possible and what is not possible, he said while maintained that “if the central government gives any offer (on NPI) we should be mentally prepared to discuss and find the solution”.
Noting that Nagaland and the North East in general have been lacking in all fronts of development, he said the North East region does not want to continue to be a liability but given an opportunity we can fully participate in nation-building. He, however, lamented that the opportunity has not come to us for a long time.
Recalling that opportunity given to address the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting at the Central Hall of Parliament, Rio said, “It was a recognition given not only to me, but the minority Christians, tribals and North East.” He said despite the poor performance of political parties affiliated to NERPF, the NDA alliance has recognized us and we are grateful.
He also said the Modi government wants to run inclusive government and prove that BJP is a not communal party but a party concerned for everybody including the minority and insignificant.
Meanwhile, he thanked his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, bureaucrats, technocrats and the people of the State for the support and cooperation extended towards the successful running of affairs of the State during the past 11 years. “It was a pleasure and privilege working with all,” he said.
Further, Rio said even after going to Delhi, “I will give full cooperation and support to new Chief Minister TR Zeliang and his government to run a stable a government and deliver goods to the people. “Having friendly government at the Centre, we should be getting our due share for various developmental activities,” he hoped.
Chief Minister-designate TR Zeliang said, “We (DAN legislators) have had 11 comfortable years under Rio’s leadership, and we always depended on him and we became complacent. But, now as he leaves we have a big burden to shoulder and we are afraid whether we can perform like him,” Zeliang said. He, however, asserted that the DAN-III government will continue to uphold the policies and programmes initiated under Rio’s leadership and also try to follow his footprints.
Zeliang further hoped that with Rio going to Delhi, Naga people see more development and also work towards finding a lasting solution to the Naga political issue. “We hope Rio will bring Delhi and Naga people closer,” he stated.
Chief Secretary Bano Z Jamir highlighted achievements of Rio government, stating that despite all odds Nagaland has marched towards development and progress and also came to the global picture through various activities.
A documentary on Rio political career after being elected for the first time in 1989 till 2014 and initiatives for uplift of youth, entrepreneurship and music industry in the State was presented Directorate of Information and Publicity.
Voices of Nagaland, performance by Naga youth under Music Task Force and DGP band entertained the gathering.
