Principal Correspondent
Kohima, May 24
T R Zeliang completing one year as Chief Minister, which has gone by trying to steer through rough weather, today called upon everyone to bury the ‘bitterness’ of the past year and start new chapter with optimism to deliver goods to the people.
Zeliang had assumed office as the 20th Chief Minister of the State on May 24 last year succeeding Neiphiu Rio on his election to the Lok Sabha.
In his address during a ‘Thanksgiving Service’ on completion of a year of DAN Government under his Chief Ministership at State Banquet Hall here this evening, Zeliang recalled “the DAN ministry under my leadership has to pass through a turbulent and stormy sea during its first year”.
“It was almost like passing through the test by fire,” he said but acknowledged that “it is only because of the guidance and protection of the Almighty God, as well as the support and good will of our party workers and the people of Nagaland, that we could manage the storm, and be here”.
He said that the service should be used to purge the minds of all negative feelings or ill-will through a process of the forgiveness. “After burying all the bitterness of the past one year, let us start a new chapter of hope and optimism from today, so that the remaining tenure of this ministry may have a smooth sailing, and be in a better position to deliver good governance to the people of Nagaland.
The past year though had not witnessed achievement for his DAN ministry to be highlighted, Zeliang underlines few of the priorities of his Government, which include solution to unresolved Naga political issue; protect Naga culture and identity and to uphold Article 371(A) in letter and spirit; to uplift economy of the people particularly in the rural population; to create employment opportunity for the Naga youth and to mobilie state resources and deliver goods through E-governance.
He reiterated that the first priority of his government would continue to be the peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue, ‘because this is the pre-requisite to bring about peace and socio-economic development in the State.’
“I am hopeful that the opposition-less, or all party government will strengthen the collective efforts towards the peace resolution of the Naga political issue,” he said.
With the given opportunity of running an opposition-less government, Zeliang said, “We are in a position to protect our Naga culture and identity, which have been one of the important goals of the Government, because, without it, we would not be respected or regarded by the outside world”.
Maintaining that the vast majority of the Naga people still reside in rural areas, earning their livelihood through farming activities, Zeliang asserted that to work towards uplift of the rural economy and bring about self-sufficiency in food, including meat. He said all the departments under Agri and allied activities will be geared up and strengthened towards achieving this goal.
“We will try to do justice to every section of the people, and bring about a faster pace of development in the State through good governance and fair play,” the Chief Minister asserted.
NPF president and Chairman of DAN Coordination Committee, Dr. Shürhozelie lauded the efforts of T R Zeliang for completing the first year in office despite all the odds faced because of dissidence with the NPF party legislators.
He also appreciated Zeliang for turning his ministry into ‘Opposition-less’ by including even the Congress MLAs into the government. “We believe this will strengthen the government’s hands to present one voice in support of early resolution of the Naga political issue”.
“Those in the government should take it as an opportunity to rule diligently and they would work with unity to deliver goods to the people,” he added.
“Since a lot of efforts have gone into the making of this government, we trust that the different organs will work together with team spirit so that the government can deliver good to her citizens as desired
Former Chairman of Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Rev Keviyiekelie Linyü shared the message on the occasion.
Galaxy of Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, NLA Speaker Chotisuh Sazo, senior bureaucrats attended the service, however, noticeably the senior legislators within the NPF, those who were amongst the rebel group did not turn up.
Chaired by State Chaplain Rev. Kuzierang the service commenced with Parliamentary Secretary Deo Nukhu reading the scripture. Special numbers were presented by Nagaland Chamber Choir, UBC Sanctuary Choir and Nise Meruno & group. Benediction was pronounced by Associate Pastor of City Church Kohima, M. Odyuo.
