Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio Wednesday said the issue of unabated taxation carried out by various Naga underground groups and which was ailing the Naga society has been put up to the Centre for address.
Stating this while speaking at the NPF Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting at its central office Kohima, Rio however reiterated his earlier statement that if there was no policy for sustenance afforded to the undergrounds from the GOI side, the problem would remain.
Correspondingly, he also said the State government has taken as top priority to resolve the Naga problem at the earliest.
Rio’s statement comes at a time when the Centre just a day ago on Tuesday had asked the Nagaland government to stop NSCN (I-M) from levying tax on common people, saying that such action by the Naga underground group is leading to price rise of commodities.
On the issue of foothill road construction which Ao Senden and other civil organizations has been demanding, Rio informed that the foothill road for 4 lane was a national project and existing foothills roads would be upgraded immediately.
In this regard, he urged for cooperation from the Hohos, NGOs, public, MLAs and especially landowners for completion of the aforementioned without hindrance at the earliest.
Road & bridges minister Azo Neinu also chipped in with the revelation that the centre has earmarked Rs. 40 crore for the foothill roads project.
On the occasion, the chief minister also told party workers to shun “groupism and factionism” which he said is the downfall of any political party and urged them to share any issue as a family to resolve it.
Citing the scenario of State congress party as example, Rio said if ever there is leadership crisis, the party will be gone.
“We didn’t destroy them (state congress) but they destroyed themselves,” he maintained adding that NPF should learn from them and strive forward on staying committed for a stable government and carry the inspiration of the people.
Rio also stressed on the importance of cooperation of each and every individual which he believed is a must for any developmental work in the state.
He also congratulated all the elected members, especially the first timer and expressed gratitude to all the party workers from the top to the grass root levels. Earlier, NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu also addressed the gathering.