Former chief minister and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, has reiterated that there can be no peace in all Naga inhabited areas until solution to the Naga political issue was delivered to the people. Rio who spoke at the felicitation for North East BJP/NDA leaders at Niathu Resport also called upon the neighbouring states to learn to co-exist for peace to prevail in the region.
While reflecting on the mindset of mainland Indians who saw Nagas in bad light, Rio maintained that Nagas were perceived in a different light by others since others have not fully understood Nagas.
He also reasoned that the prevailing turmoil in the Naga areas was due to dissection of Nagas through artificial political boundary that has placed them under various state administrations.
Rio said besides being placed in different states, Nagas are not only in India but also in Myanmar. He said with Nagas being divided through such state and international boundaries, it was among the main cause that was largely responsible for the turmoil.
Rio also touched on the issue clauses as contained in the 16-Point Agreement signed in 1960 which formed the basis for creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian union in 1963.
He said the clauses 12 & 13 of the Agreement with regard to transfer of reserved forests and integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas. Rio said such unresolved issues have also contributed to unrest inherited by the new generation. He opined that the present generation would be living in peace had the above mentioned issues been settled by the predecessors.
Rio asked the BJP MLAs and party functionaries to convey the sentiment to the central leaders. He has also appealed the BJP-led NDA government to respect other minority communities and backward section of people. Rio said protecting these minority communities particularly the Christians would send positive message to the world. He expressed optimism that the NDA under the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi would accord special focus for the development of the north east on all aspects.
Calling for understanding and peaceful coexistence among north east states, he said
“We have come of age, we must learn to co-exist; only then there will be peace in the region.”
He also reaffirmed commitment to work wholeheartedly to strengthen NDA government under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
Central BJP general secretary and one of the founding members of BJP in Nagaland, PB Acharya said BJP respect the diversity and peculiarity of India and was the only political party which understands the problem of the people. Acharya also BJP has the will and courage to solve all problems.
BJP general secretary and former MP Tapir Gao termed the occasion as a beginning of new chapter to bring people of the northeastern states closer. Stating that we should be proud to be from the northeast, Tapir encouraged the people particularly the youth to expose themselves in other cities of India through the skills and talents and bring laurels to the region. He has further called upon the gathering to work with sincerity to bring about development and peace in the region.
Among other dignitaries who spoke on the occasion included president BJP Nagaland unit Dr. M Chuba Ao, president BJP Arunachal Pradesh Tai Tagak, Parliamentary Secretary Paiwang Konyak, BLP Arunachal Pradesh Tamiyo Taga, and Parliamentary Secretary Dr. TM Lotha.
A total of 11 BJP MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh along with office bearers were present during the felicitation programme.
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