Naga issue should be resolved at the earliest: Mizoram minister

Mizoram’s minister of state for sports and youth services tourism, information and communication technology Robert Romawia Royte said efforts of chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his government and other organisations for arriving at a permanent solution to the Naga political issue deserved reciprocal response from the Centre.
Speaking at the inauguration of Collegiate Meet organised by All Nagaland College Students Union on the theme “Metamorphosis” at Sakus Mission College here on Tuesday, he emphasised that the Naga political issue be solved at the earliest and on terms acceptable to all Nagas.
He recalled that Naga political movement started with the submission of memorandum to Simon Commission by Naga Club in 1929 that conveyed the desire of Nagas to be independent when the British left India. He also referred to formation of Naga National Council in 1947 under the leadership of AZ Phizo who met Mahatma Gandhi in 1947 and declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, one day ahead of India’s independence.
He remarked, “Naga political consciousness preceded all other political movements. Government of India should also respect the sentiments of forefathers of Nagas.” Royte said Mizoram was also one of the most dangerous States during Mizo National Front’s (MNF) movement for independence from India. However, after signing of Mizo Accord in 1986, it became one of the most peaceful States in the country.
He also congratulated Nagaland U-17 football team for winning the prestigious Subroto Cup. “This victory is a clear sign of football talent and the game’s potential in Nagaland,” he added. He noted that Nagas had huge talents in archery, wrestling, football, etc, adding that winning Subroto Cup should serve as a wake-up call.
On the National Education Policy 2020, the minister said the policy document had the word “sports” mentioned at least 30 times, signifying the importance given to sports in the policy. He stated that all States were preparing to implement the policy.
He mentioned that the Government of Mizoram was committed to make the State fittest in the country and Mizos the fittest people in the country. He claimed that the Mizoram Sports Policy, 2019 and subsequent granting of industry status to sports, along with improvement in sports infrastructure, had proved very fruitful.
He disclosed that 30 new astroturf football grounds would be in place before end of 2023, adding that a good number of other sports infrastructure were also being created across Mizoram.
Royte urged the Centre to recognise the potential of youth from the Northeast, while advising students to set their priorities with due care and maintain discipline, personal hygiene and fitness.
He admitted that Mizoram lagged behind Nagaland in tourism and therefore had decided to come up with a Hornbill-type festival and learn from Nagaland vis-à-vis promoting tourism.
He also revealed that Mizoram would be hosting an international festival in November this year, and invited ANCSU and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) office-bearers to be a part of the festival which would witness an attempt at creating a Guinness record for the biggest guitar ensemble.
Earlier, delivering the keynote address at the collegiate meet, Kesosul Christopher Ltu of ANCSU central organizing committee member explained that the objective of organising the event was to provide a platform and promote talents among students. He disclosed that 31 colleges were taking part at the meet comprising of 1,092 sportspersons.
In his presidential address, ANCSU president Toito D Chishi urged the State government to promote sports.
Speaking on the occasion, NSF president Kegwayhun Tep extended greetings to the participants, pointing out that sports was integral to life today. He said though Nagaland was at the bottom of the list pertaining to youth development, sports facilities, etc, he hoped that the meet would help in bringing about positive change in Naga society.
The participants were administered oath prior to start of games by ANCSU games and sports secretary Achiru Pfithu.