Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has appealed to Nagas not miss out on the “golden opportunity” for peaceful solution as it had eluded them for too long and that it was an opportune time to come together and expedite the political dialogue for an early, honourable and acceptable solution to the vexed “Indo-Naga political issue”.
Addressing the 73rd Independence Day programme at Secretariat Plaza here on Thursday, Rio reiterated his government’s commitment to find solution of Naga political issue which remained its top agenda.
He exuded confidence that appointment of Centre’s interlocutor RN Ravi as the State’s governor would further expedite the political negotiations. He also reiterated the longstanding desire of Naga people for integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas, adding his government had always supported the integration and democratic rights of Naga people.
Towards this, the chief minister appealed to the neighbouring States to recognise the history, yearning and democratic rights of the Nagas so that they could live together under a spirit of peaceful co-existence in the truest traditions of harmony and friendship. He also expressed PDA government’s sincere appreciation to Government of India for reiterating the uniqueness of Naga history and the latter’s reassurance that Article 371A was a solemn and sacred commitment to the people of Nagaland.
Rio says, will table RIIN commission report in assembly: Rio said a three-member commission constituted to look in to the modalities of on Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) had already started working and would be submitting its report soon. He said this would be tabled in state Assembly for deliberations, only after which the modalities would be finalised that should be acceptable to the people.
Rio clarified that RIIN was not meant to discriminate or hurt the interest of any citizen, but to properly identify the indigenous people of the State as well as those domiciled and permanently settled here, which would also help in the effective implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Asserting that his government’s core concern was to ensure welfare of the Nagas by creating systems and devising mechanisms to help protect and allow them to safeguard their rights and entitlements, the chief minister claimed the demand for extending ILP to the entire State by covering Dimapur was examined with utmost seriousness, keeping in mind the large-scale influx of illegal migrants as well as the visible deterioration of Dimapur owing to inroads made by anti-social elements of various shades over the years.
Therefore, he said, while deciding to extend ILP to Dimapur, the government was also in the process of devising modalities and framing necessary rules and regulations. He said that since the process was underway, there was a pressing need for having a “proper record of our own people as well as the genuine citizens” who had been staying in Nagaland for decades and who have made Nagaland their home.
He said it was felt necessary to put an end to the menace of issuance of illegal or fake indigenous inhabitant certificates to undeserving people as alleged by many. He added that several sections, including civil society groups, had also expressed the need for such a list in the interest of indigenous people of the State. As such, Rio explained that the PDA government decided to work for preparing RIIN and announced it on June 29.
Law and Order: Rio said that the general law and order scenario in the state was by and large peaceful and under control, even though there had been few incidents which has been contained with the constant monitoring at the government level and the co-ordinated action of the administration and the law enforcing agencies.
He also highlighted about infrastructure development for state police and security agencies like construction of multi-storied barrack for 300 constable trainees at PTS Chumoukedima etc.
Health care: Asserting that his government was focussed on providing quality health care to the people, Rio said under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, 55 Public Hospitals and five Private Hospitals have been empanelled, 76,663 e-cards were issued, and benefits worth over Rs. I crore have already been availed by the beneficiaries till the end of June 2019.
Rio said his government has performed well in areas like National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), Universal Immunization Program (U1P), Measles Rubella Vaccination campaign, Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) and others.
Agri: Rio informed that his government will soon be adopting the ‘organic policy’ and also facilitate agriculture marketing besides construction of an organic air conditioned market at Agri Expo site, 4th Mile, Dimapur.
Roads: 48 projects under Special Road Development Programme (SRDP) were completed and five works with the total length of 64 Km were in progress under NABARD.
Rio also informed that the NEC had recently sanctioned four roads for upgradation under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS).
Funds: Following the announcement of a ‘Plastic Free Nagaland’, Rio said entrepreneurs will be provided funds under CM’s Corpus Fund to produce alternative products like bamboo, jute and paper products to replace plastic. He said funds have been allocated to all 11 districts to initiate this programme. In order to promote self employment, he said government has provided financial assistance to 129 beneficiaries for setting up self employment projects.
With regard to funds under LADP, he said the amount has been enhanced to Rs. 90.00 crores– Rs. 1.50 crore per Assembly Constituency during 2019-20, adding that the enhanced amount will be utilized for taking up one iconic project in each district headquarter.
Rio, in his speech also highlighted about the ongoing projects and achievements of his government under– Urban Development, Rural Development, PHED, F&Cs, Education, Power, IT&C, Kohima Smart City project, upgradation of Village Guards, implementation of e-prison system in the state, Lokayukta, Star-Up policy, Sports, Music and Arts and Tourism etc.
Keeping the commitment of PDA he said the ‘Holy Land’ tour and pilgrimages will also be organized from the current year, for which selection of the tourists will be made in consultation with various Churches.
Rio expressed happiness that Nagaland has been able to achieve in various field as there was progress and improved quality of life of Nagas. Nagaland being a resource rich state, Rio exuded confidence the state will figure in the league of the most developed States of the Nation.
Highlights: Altogether 27 parade contingents, one of the largest so far, took part in the march past led by parade commander, Denyong Konyak, Dy. Comdt. 4 NAP BN and 2nd In charge, K. Lucy Yhome, Asstt. Comdt. 4 NAP BN.
The contingents included 14 Assam Rifles, 93rd Bn. BSF. Chedema, 78th Bn. CRPF. Zubza, DEF Kohima, 4NAP BN, 10 NAP (IR) BN, 15 NAP (IR) Mahila BN, 8th (IR) Bn. Manipur Police, Special Task Force, Home Guard & Civil Defence, Nagaland Police Central Brass Band, Ex. Servicemen, No.1 (Nagaland) Air Squadron NCC, 24 Nagaland (I) COY NCC (Senior Division), 1 Naga Girls BN. NCC, 24 Naga Boys NCC Junior Division, Student Police Cadet 4 NAP Regimental School, Bharat Scouts and Guides, TM Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Ruzhukhrie Govt. Hr. Sec. School, G. Rio Hr. Sec. School, Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Mezhur Hr. Sec. School, Ministers’ Hill Hr. Sec. School, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, 3 Assam Rifles Pipe Band and parade BHM.