Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation minister Jacob Zhimomi has reiterated that the BJP, under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was committed to resolving the long-standing issue of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO).
Addressing a the media after the launch of the BJP’s membership drive at Old Town Committee Hall, Marwari Patti, here on Tuesday, Jacob said that the state government was fully aware of the ENPO demands, noting that consultations were ongoing with various organizations from the Eastern region.
His response came when media persons asked him why the issue of ENPO demand was not addressed in the recently-held Nagaland Legislative Assembly session. He said that the state government was aware of the urgency to resolve the issue at the earliest, expressing hope that solution would come sooner than later. “No one will be left behind as far as consultation is concerned,” he assured.
Earlier, the BJP’s membership drive was launched by Jacob, and advisor for Tribal Affairs and Elections H Tovihoto Ayemi in presence of party’s state president Benjamin Yepthomi and state office bearers.
Asked on the huge number of graduates joining an underground faction recently as pointed out during the assembly session, depicting the status of unemployment in the state, Jacob asserted that unemployment was not confined to Nagaland but a nationwide issue.
He highlighted several initiatives by the Central government such as Start-Up India and Skill India among others, and implementation of Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 in the state aimed at addressing unemployment, encouraging young people to take advantage of these schemes.
He admitted that the state did not have much resources of its own, and the state government was employing youth based on merit.
Responding to concerns about the influx of illegal immigrants to Dimapur, Jacob replied that the state government was aware of the situation and necessary directives had been issued to the Home department, while measures were being taken at all entry and exit points.
Meanwhile, Jacob disclosed that membership drive of the BJP would be conducted across all 60 assembly constituencies. Describing the drive a mammoth task, he expressed confidence in achieving positive results.
Benjamin Yepthomi supported Jacob Zhimomi’s stance, asserting that the ENPO issue would be resolved only by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. “They are very keen in solving this issue and they will solve this issue,” he claimed.
With regard to unemployment issue, Benjamin said that the state government alone could not provide jobs to everyone. He, however, pointed out that the BJP-led government at the Centre had introduced several programmes and schemes focused on youth development and employment, urging unemployed youth to explore and utilise these opportunities.
The state BJP president described the membership drive launch as a significant event for the party, both at the state and national levels.
He disclosed that the drive was being conducted at nearly 140 locations statewide, including nine in Dimapur alone.
In his address, Tovihoto Ayemi informed the media that the membership drive would be conducted in two phases– September 1 to 25, and October 1 to 15. He said current party members would renew their membership, while others would have the opportunity to join the party during this period.
He said the memberships acquired during the drive would be valid from 2024 to 2030, encouraging all party supporters to participate and contribute to shaping India’s future.