Taking part in the discussion on motion of thanks to the Governor’s address on the third day of the first session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Achumbemo Kikon, a Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA, emphasised on the “dire need” to actively pursue an “honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the Naga political issue.
Kikon also said that an early solution is not just beneficial for the interests of the Naga people but also for the Government of India, as it would pave ways for the development of the entire North Eastern region.
The NPF MLA then expressed his concerns on the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections and said that it would be wise to delay the ULB elections in the state until a clear consensus was reached with all the stakeholders and civil society organizations.
Minister for Roads and Bridges, G Kaito Aye, taking part in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, said that the house should jointly put an effort to give more concern towards the Naga political issue and to work together in facilitating and assisting the government in bringing solution.
Imkong L Imchen, Advisor IPR and Soil and Water Conservation, while participating in his motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, hoped that as newly elected members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, service of the people will be enhanced to fulfill the people’s mandate.
On the Governor’s address regarding the Naga political issue, Imkong Imchen opined that “we should not be too critical as all the 60 members are united as one on the issue”. He said that the negotiations should not be one-way traffic, but the approach should be rational and acceptable to both the negotiating parties and a spirit of accommodation should be there with flexible diplomacy.
He then lauded the Government of India “as they are committed and sincere to solve the Naga political issue”. He added that rigidity will not bring any solution.
MLA and NPF leader Kuzholuzo Nienu, who initiated discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, stated that NPF party would remain a strong opposition in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. However, the party will support and continue to work with the government for peace and development of the state, the NPF asserted.
He then appealed to the legislators to judiciously use the allotted funds meant for development, and urged the government of the day to come up with a "Vision Plan of 5 years" with government policies and programmes in it should be clearly highlighted.
Nienu then stressed on the issues of Inner Line Permit (ILP), RIIN and “other illegal migrants”, and expressed apprehension that Nagas might be left to a minority one day owing to these, citing Tripura as an instance, if not addressed in time. He also mentioned that Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland are the breeding grounds of all “illegal migrants”.
Therefore, the NPF leader urged the government to tackle it with a prompt and effective mechanism, keeping in mind the menace of “illegal migrants” and their ramifications to “our future generation”. The NPF leader then suggested that radical reformation in the Home department is needed, stating that the Home department is the key in the functioning of the government.
