Kohima, Nov 14: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said that the settlement of the vexed Naga insurgency problem between the Naga rebels and the central government is vital for economic development of the state.
“An amicable solution will greatly impact the development of the Naga People as a whole and will definitely pave the way for the Naga People to catch up with the rest of the country as well as the world,†Rio said addressing the Kohima District Planning and Development Board Day out cum Pre Christmas programme at Touphema.
Noting that the “biggest and the happiest day for all Nagas will be the day that the Naga political issue (insurgency) is resolved,†the Chief Minister said, “peace has evaded the Naga people for such a long time beginning from our forefathers and their head hunting traditions followed by world war I and world war II and the long standing conflict between the Naga National Political Groups and the central government of India which is still yet to be resolved completely.â€
Rio also urged every Naga to pray and work towards an early and amicable solution to the Naga political Issue so that the young and up-coming generation will be able to grow up in a peaceful environment and will be able to access all the opportunities available to them and develop to their fullest potential.
“It is time for the Nagas to come forward and make use of all our available resources to ensure that the state develops economically at a rapid pace,†the Chief Minister appealed.
He also called upon all the officers to be ready to take up the challenge and work tirelessly towards uplifting the Naga people because once the Naga Political Issue is resolved, peace will prevail and there will be a great push for economic and developmental activities.
“Nagas will soon see the light of the day and will live in peace and prospers in all aspects of life,†he said.