Unresolved Naga political issue hinders development — CM Rio
Unresolved Naga political issue hinders development — CM Rio
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that the unresolved Naga Political issue has hindered development in the state, and emphasised the need for an early resolution
Neiphiu Rio with other legislators and village leaders of
Tsiesema Basa village on Tuesday. (EM Images)
TSIESEMA — Chief
Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said that the unresolved Naga Political issue
has hindered development in the state, and emphasised the need for an early
resolution.
The chief minister said owing to the protracted Naga issue,
the aspirations of the Naga people have not been fulfilled, even though the
state government has been pursuing with all seriousness for an early resolution
to pave the way for development.
Rio was addressing the 50th celebration of Tsiesema Basa
village establishment held at the village local ground, under Kohima district.
He said the ‘Protected Area’ status was due to Nagaland
being tagged as ‘Disturbed Area,’ which was later changed to ‘Prohibited Area,’
but the protected area regime was re-imposed recently.
He noted that tourist visit to the state has been increasing
over the years with more than 2 lakh visitors during the last Hornbill Festival
alone. But this growth could be hindered due to re-imposition of protected area
regime, he said.
On the Free Movement Regime (FMR), he highlighted the state
government’s concern over the international boundary set by the British without
consulting the Nagas, which divided Naga families and land.
As a case in point, he cited Longwa village in Mon district
where the Angh’s house lies at the centre of the international boundary.
Maintaining that the Naga political issue needs thorough
consultation for an early resolution, the chief minister said that the current
60-member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had formed an opposition-less
government and passed a resolution for early solution to the Naga political
issue.
The resolution was also conveyed to Delhi, but solution
still eludes, he said.
Rio also informed that the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation
(BEFR) Act of 1873, passed by the British Parliament, continues even today in
post-independent India in the form of special provisions for Nagaland State
under Article 371 (A).
While Article 371 (A) recognised the uniqueness of the
Nagas, the same has not been fully recognised by Nagas themselves, which acts
as a hindrance, he added.
He went on to mention that the Dobashi and Gaon Bura systems
are also British legacies.
On identity, tradition and culture of the Nagas which
remained untouched even during British rule, Rio stressed that during the
Hornbill Festival, foreigners come not to see how Nagas adapt to other
cultures, but to witness the authenticity of the Naga identity and culture.
Further, though people tend to get confused during
elections, he asserted that the regional Nationalist Democratic Progressive
Party (NDPP) stands to safeguard and protect regional interests.
Meanwhile, the chief minister paid tribute to the pioneers
of the village for their visionary steps in establishing the village, which has
grown exponentially into a geographically strategic location.
He noted that establishing a new village is a herculean
task, requiring sacrifices and suffering from the founders. In olden times, due
to headhunting, people lived on hilltops for safety. However, with changing
times, they began seeking lower areas for easier habitation.
Rio also acknowledged Tsiesema Basa village for honouring
and inviting him to the commemorative event, coinciding with his political
innings spanning 50 years.
On the occasion, the chief minister unveiled a monolith
marking Tsiesema Basa Village Council's 50th year celebration and another
monolith commemorating his 50th year in public service.
On the occasion, he also highlighted initiatives like the
Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), and the Chief Minister Micro
Finance Scheme (CMMFS) to encourage entrepreneurship, SHGs and farmers.
Chüpfhü-o Khrodi, the oldest man of Tsiesema Basa, shared
the village's history, stating it was officially established in 1975, starting
with 24 houses after migrating from Tsiesema Old. The village now has 106
households.
Khrielezo Khro, chairman of Tsiesema village, also delivered
greetings.
Earlier, Razoukhrielie Khro, chairman of Tsiesema Basa
village, requested the chief minister to construct a sports complex in the
village.
