State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, on Tuesday reiterated that the present UDA government was sincere and committed to resolve the Naga issue.
According to a DIPR report, the chief minister said this while speaking at the inauguration programme of the Lotha Hoho (Lotha Tribal Council) building at Wokha town on August 30, 2022.
Rio said that settlement should come at the earliest, adding that if that happened, “we will not obstruct, but will pave the way in Naga wisdom and tribal wisdom and resign for the interim government”.
The chief minister asserted that the negotiating parties have already signed the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position, which means that “they have signed to be with the Indian Union, but recognise the unique history of the Nagas and “co-exist with a new relationship of the two entities”.
He said it was done in the spirit of framework agreement and with the spirit that sovereignty lies with the people and that Naga movement should be recognised.
Rio reminded that Nagaland was a special status state, wherein the Constitution of India has granted special provision with respect to Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law. He, therefore, urged the guardians of customary law and traditions to know the true meaning of the institution and work accordingly for the welfare of the community.
Rio said Wokha district is so fertile and blessed with so many minerals from oil and natural gas to the best river producing hydro power. In this regard, Rio urged the Lotha community to work hard for a progressive society.
He also reminded the people to propagate the slogan “Do not eat the Seeds, Nurture it and eat the Fruits”.
Further, the chief minister urged the people to think positively and know how to co-exist in peace and harmony with one another for a progressive Naga society.
Stating that there were about 15 schemes directly benefiting the farmers, the chief minister appealed to the district administration and concerned departments to monitor the schemes and policies so they were properly implemented. He also urged them to ensure that both Central and State schemes and policies reached the targeted people.
With regard to the internal differences going on between the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) and Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC), Rio appealed to both the parties to come to an amicable settlement so that “good sense prevails among the community and for the benefit of the Lotha community.”
The chief minister disclosed that as requested by Lotha Hoho for construction of new tribal council hall during his visit to Wokha in 2018, he approached the Centre for the same and today it has become a reality. He congratulated the Lotha community for the new building and appreciated the good workmanship exhibited by Lotha Hoho led by its chairman Er. Mhondamo Ovung and all individual involved in the successful completion of the building.
The chief minister also expressed his appreciation to the Government of India and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for sanctioning the amount for construction of the building.
State deputy chief minister, Yanthungo Patton, who was the chief host of the programme, thanked the chief minister Neiphiu Rio on behalf of the Lotha community for taking keen interest in initiating the construction of the new Lotha Hoho building and making it a reality.
He also appreciated the Lotha Hoho team and all involved for showing their sincerity and dedication and successfully completing the building.
The programme was chaired by LH vice chairman S. Mhonlumo Lotha while LH chairman Er. Mhondamo Ovung delivered the welcome address. Technical report was presented by building construction committee convener Er. O.N. Ngullie, while vote of thanks was proposed by advisor LH, Dr. N. Mhabemo Kithan. The new LTC building was constructed under the initiation of chief Minister and funded by Minister of Tribal Affairs.
The chief minister was accompanied by minister V. Kashiho Sangtam, advisors– K.T. Sukhalu, Imnatiba, Er. Zale Neikha, Dr. Chumben Murry, Chuba Chang and a host of dignitaries and party officials from NDPP and BJP.
Earlier during the programme, the dedicatory prayer for the new building was offered by Rev. Tsopemo Ngullie while pastor WBTC pastor Rev.Abemo Jungoi read the scripture.
