Nagaland Home minister, Y. Patton on Wednesday called upon the people to play a diplomatic role for unification of all Naga Political Groups (NPGs) under one common platform so as to bring early solution to the vexed Naga political issue. He was addressing at the retention function of Longching EAC headquarter.
In order to pave way for an early solution to the Naga political issue, Patton informed the gathering that all political parties in the state had come together and formed an opposition less government under the leadership of chief minister T.R. Zeliang.
Hinting at the same line, Patton appealed to the NPGs to come together under one roof, asserting that the Centre was serious to bring about a lasting solution to the Naga political issue. When all the 60 MLAs met former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi in Delhi, Patton said that the ex-PM told the MLAs that “unless all factions unite, there would be no solution to the problem”.
Further, Patton maintained that there should not be any “landowner issue” when development is initiated in the administrative HQ. He also assured to provide all possible assistance for development of the areas provided the people extend full cooperation and support to the government.
Minister for Rural Development & REPA, C.L. John in his speech said retention of EAC HQ Longching was a blessing for Konyaks in general and the Longching area in particular.
In order to ensure peace and development, John said that a government comprising all political parties was formed to fulfill the theme “Nagaland for Christ” and appealed to all Naga political factions to unite for early solution. Parliamentary secretary for I&PR, Khekaho in his short speech said Government alone cannot bring changes and development in the society without the role of the people as a pressure group to check the activities of the Government, which was lacking in Naga society.
He said Konyaks are not backward, but economically behind others. This can only be removed by if people play a proactive role as a team.
On the shifting and upgradation of EAC post Longching to Angjangyeang and retention of EAC post again to Longching, E.E. Pangteang, parliamentary secretary Home Guard & Sericulture clarified as that it was done as per the wishes and desire of the people.
Parliamentary secretary Art & Culture, Eshak Konyak thanked the Government under the leadership of T.R. Zeliang for retaining the EAC Longching Hq, which according to him was a dream come true.
He also appealed to the officers and staff under Longching EAC to be regular and present in their place of posting for the welfare of the people.
Parliamentary secretary CAWD, Y.M. Yollow, ENSF general secretary, Honang Konyak; Adhoc chairman Angjangyang, president Konyak Union Aboi unit and president NPF 48 A/C Moka also spoke at the function.
Invocation was pronounced by pastor Longching town Baptist Church, Heangpa; welcome address by Hewang Konyak, president KU unit Longching and keynote address was proposed by Maopong Konyak, convenor retention committee.
The program was chaired by ADC Mon. Highlights of the day long function was marked by cultural performances, special numbers and others.
Patton was also accompanied by parliamentary secretary for N&RE and F&ES, Toyang Chang; Advisor DUDA, Thongwang and MLA, Pangnyu Phom.