Nitish slams Centre for delay in solution

Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) supremo Nitish Kumar on Tuesday hit out at the Centre over delay in resolving the Naga political issue despite having singed the “Framework Agreement” in 20015.
Nitish Kumar, who arrived Dimapur Tuesday to grace the All Nagaland Bihari Conference, which was organised to commemorate 120th birth anniversary of Jaya Prakash Narayan, at DDSC stadium here, expressed surprise that the Framework Agreement, which was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister Modi in August 2015, has not been implemented so far. “Why have you not implemented it so far,” Nitish questioned.
JD(U) supremo said that when the framework agreement was signed seven years ago “we all felt that it was a good move.” He said people of Nagaland were happy that all their problems/issues would be heard, considered and finally solved by the Centre. “But I am extremely surprised to learn that the agreement has not been implemented,” Nitish said and demanded implementation of the Framework Agreement. Nitish also asked the Centre to take necessary steps to solve all problems of Nagaland in a peaceful manner.
Expressing hope that the Centre would bring about peaceful solution at the earliest, Nitish assured the people of Nagaland that he would continue to extend support to bring about permanent solution to the Naga issue.
On the occasion, Bihar chief minister also highlighted the life and contribution of Jaya Prakash Narayan popularly referred to as JP and his role in India’s freedom struggle and the famous JP Movement, which he started in Bihar in 1974.
Kumar said JP arrived Nagaland with a team in 1964. When he reached Nagaland, Nitish said JP felt the pulse of the people and decided to visit each and every corner of the state and speak with the people. He stayed in Nagaland for three years from 1964 to 1967 during which he spread the message of love and peace amongst the people, JDU supremo said.
Nitish said it was because of his appeal, the ceasefire was signed in Nagaland, which he said was a big achievement.
The Bihar chief minister said the people in Nagaland remembered JP for his contributions. He said now the younger generation also know about JP and role he played in the freedom struggle as well as in the development of Nagaland state by spreading the message of love and peace.
Nitish said that when JP came to Nagaland as member of a Peace Mission, he established the Peace Centre, which is still functional.
Nitish also highlighted the achievement of his government in Bihar in various fields. He invited the people of Nagaland to visit Bihar and see for themselves what his government has done in the past many years.
Further, he assured to extend support and contribution towards the people of Nagaland whatever possible from his end.
The conference was organized by Matri Foundation, Bihari Samaj and Kalyan Samaj and sponsored by JD(U) Nagaland to highlight the history of the great contribution made by JP or Lok Nayak.
Earlier, short speeches were delivered by Bihar Minister of Minority Welfare, Md. Zama Khan; former MP and JDU national general secretary Dhananjay Singh; MP Lok Sabha and JDU national general secretary Ramprit Mandal; MP Lok Sabha LS Sunil Kumar Pintu; MP Lok Sabha Kaushlendra Kumar; MP Rajya Sabha Aneel Hegde and Bihar minister rural development Shravan Kumar.
Meanwhile, a tribute to JP Narayan was shared by JDU Nagaland president NSN Senchumo Lotha. In his brief address, Senchumo reminded all about the sacrifice made by JP Narayan, who came all the way from Bihar and to work for the Nagas.
Short speech was delivered by Bihar Minister water resources, Sanjay Jha and presidential address was delivered by National president MP and leader of LS Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh.
Several hundreds from the Bihari community including Nagas attended the programme.
It may be recalled that ahead of Nitish Kumar’s arrival, the JDU leaders from Bihar– three members of parliament, two ministers and one ex-MP, arrived Nagaland on October 9.