Nagaland CM urges GoI, Naga nationalist groups for early settlement Kohima, August 16 (MExN): Nagaland’s Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang today said the cooperation of the people is essential as many of the problems confronting the people of Nagaland continue.“The quest for an honourable settlement to the long standing Naga political problem continues and the process of dialogue and negotiations has been going on for the last 17 long years,” he said in his speech at the 68th Independence Day celebration here at Nagaland Secretariat Plaza. Chief Minister hoped that the new dispensation at the Centre, under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, will expedite the processes of finding an early solution. He urged upon the Government of India, as also the Naga nationalist groups, to sincerely work towards bringing about an early settlement for make ‘peace’ a reality, which is the longing of all sections of the Naga people. The Chief Minister maintained that the state has been enjoying a measure of tranquility with the ongoing ceasefire and peace process, and the law and order situation in the state has been by and large peaceful. He said police and the administration are continuing to endeavour to contain all forms of anti-social and criminal activities so that the citizens can live in peace and harmony. Zeliang also stated that while the government continues to pursue its goals in accordance with its slogan “Peace for Development and Development for Peace,” he however stated that the state presently faced with problems of resources. He stated that Nagaland’s resource base is very small and the state’s own tax and non-tax revenue comprises only about 6% of the total budgetary expenditure, and the state is almost wholly dependent on the Centre for the state financial requirements. “It is time to remind ourselves that we, the people of Nagaland, have to start thinking more seriously on how our economy should grow, and how to enhance our own revenues, so that we can one day proudly claim to be a self reliant and a self sustaining society,” he said. Zeliang said that the government has come up with various new initiatives like the Nagaland Special Development Zone, the State Investment Board, the Foothill Road, and the exploitation of its rich mineral resources, such as oils and coal. “It, however, appears that there are reservations in the minds of some sections of our society on these new ideas. The government remains open for dialogue with the people in these initiatives,” he said adding that apart from the larger issues of economic growth and revenues, let us keep in mind that there are over 5 lakh children in various educational institutions in Nagaland today.” He said they will soon grow up to seek gainful employment and livelihood commensurate with enlightenment and awareness of the 21st century.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 03:08:18 +0000
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