Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 10 (NPN): Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along on Monday said the State Cabinet meeting held at Doyang, Wokha, was historic, with several issues concerning Nagaland deliberated upon and key decisions taken.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a programme, Along said Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio had amplified and addressed various state concerns during the meeting.
On oil exploration, he said the Cabinet discussed inclusivity and bringing landowners into the process while addressing their rights.
He said all concerns, including those of people living in border areas and areas of interest, had to be taken into consideration.
Along also highlighted discussions on the latest developments concerning the Foothill Road with the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, including the 13-metre, 18-metre and 12-metre issues.
He described the Foothill Road as one of the lifelines for the economic resurgence of Nagaland.
On concerns raised by the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), Along said the government fully understood that the interests of Nagaland came first. He said the Cabinet, led by Rio, was asserting these concerns, including issues under the tripartite agreement involving Delhi, Assam and Nagaland.
He expressed confidence in a “win-win situation” and said civil society organisations and people’s leaders would know in the days ahead that the government was positively asserting these matters.
On the upcoming Assembly session, Along said there would certainly be deliberations on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) issue. However, he said the list of proceedings had not yet been published and the Speaker would be in a better position to comment.
Asked whether the Cabinet meeting discussed remarks by the Assam government regarding the flood situation and the alleged coal mining issue being taken up with the Centre, Along said the government and Cabinet were aware of the concerns expressed by people’s leaders.
“Politics is one thing, but like I said last time, the Government of the day is responsible. Right now, we have to help the people get back on their feet and work,” he said.
Along said Mon, Tuli, parts of Tuensang and almost all areas of Nagaland had been badly affected by recurring landslides, with houses damaged and lives lost.
He said people were free to express their opinions, but facts had to be sought and verified rather than relying solely on opinions.
On the impact of the situation on schools and educational institutions, particularly in Mon and other affected areas, Along said the government was aware of the situation and working from every angle to restore normalcy.
“The officials and the Government are working very hard to make sure that things come back to normal. We cannot fight against nature and the unexpected rainfall that has come to our state,” he said.
He said the situation should be taken positively while the government worked on future measures to prevent such occurrences.
“It has to be deliberated, it has to be discussed, and proper preparedness has to be done. We were prepared, but never expected as such,” Along said.