Rio seeks support for Naga peace process

Nagaland Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio sought the support of all Members of Parliament to make the Naga peace process a success. Participating in the motion of thanks to the President’s address, Rio appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a bold step to resolve the Naga political issue by signing the historic framework agreement on August 3, 2015. He also lauded Home minister Rajnath Singh for his efforts in making the framework agreement a reality.
According to a press note issued by his PS, Rio told the house that since he was the only Naga MP present, his voice was for all Nagas not just in Nagaland but in Manipur, Arunachal and Assam.
“We deserve peace and we desire that we be given equal opportunity to be partners in our great country’s development”, he stated. Quoting Prime Minister Modi, Rio stated that “the Naga courage and commitment are legendary and equality they represent the highest levels of humanity”.
While reminding that successive Prime Ministers had met and held talks with the Naga leaders, Rio however noted that it was former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who recognized the uniqueness of Naga history.
He also acknowledged that it was during the Congress government under Prime Minister Narashimha Rao that the Naga problem was recognised as a political problem.
Stating that Naga issue was a pre-India independence issue, Rio called upon all MPs to support the peace process and resolve the issue especially when Naga nationalists are willing to be peaceful citizens. He also took the opportunity to highlight the plight of the tribals in Manipur in the aftermath of the Manipur Assembly passing the three Bills on August 21, 2015.
He lamented saying that the agitations against the three bills had resulted in the death of nine lives. Even after 184 days, the dead bodies are yet to be given the last rites and buried, he said. For this, he urged Centre to resolve the issue through consultations so that the burial of the departed persons could take place.  
On President of India’s address, Rio highlighted some of the successful initiatives of the NDA government under Prime Minister Modi like Make in India, skill India, smart cities, digital India, start-up India, rurban mission, PM Mudra Yojana and Swachh Bharat amongst others.
He also highlighted the plight of the Northeastern states, suffering from huge infrastructure deficits particularly in the sectors of education, health care and connectivity coupled with the challenges of insurgency, difficult terrain, and limited economic activities.
Rio hoped that the PM’s concern and commitment to develop North East would be fulfilled.
Supporting the motion of thanks, Neiphiu Rio welcomed the President’s statement saying: “we will all be partners in the progress and development of our great country”.