Dimapur, July 12 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Advisor Toshi Wungtung, and Lok Sabha member Tokheho Yepthomi called on Union minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju, on Thursday in New Delhi.
This was informed through a press release from the chief minister’s office (CMO). “In the meeting with Union minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, Rio discussed the issue relating to the likely demolition of 19 houses falling between Border Pillar No. 145 and 146 on the Indo-Myanmar border by the Myanmarese authorities.
“He urged upon Sushma Swaraj for early intervention of MEA (ministry of External Affairs) in the matter so that the same may be prevented. Rio informed the minister that these 19 houses, which comprise 11 government buildings and 8 private houses including 1 school, belong to Nagas living on both sides of the border and suggested that the infrastructure could be effectively utilized by both countries to promote international border trade and facilitate people to people contact. Sushma Swaraj assured the delegates that she would take up the matter with the Myanmarese authorities for a solution,” the CMO informed.
Likewise, Rio discussed with the Defence minister matters about the army-occupied land in Dimapur municipal area and that it should be handed back to the state government by the army. “The Union minister has assured the chief minister that she would get the matter examined and respond to the request of the state government at the earliest.
“In another meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, Rio discussed issue relating to release of pending disaster fund, enhancement of remuneration for Village Guards and early settlement of Naga political issue. Attention of the ministers were also drawn towards the release of fund under special package for the ENPO (Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation) region, as assured by prime minister during his election campaign tour to Tuensang.
“The delegation was accompanied by Dr. DK Bhalla, chief resident commissioner New Delhi and Jyoti Kalash, principal resident commissioner, New Delhi.”
