Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio Thursday maintained that he had always been championing the issue of integration of Naga-inhabited contiguous areas and has never stood against it. Rio said this while speaking to media persons at Hotel Vivor Thursday in his first reaction to the issue being raised by NPF over his statement made to a media in Delhi that Naga integration was not possible. Rio said he has been misquoted by the media since his statement was taken out of context.
Speaking to a group of media persons at Hotel Vivor here on Thursday on the sidelines of a book release function, Rio pointed out that though integration was a genuine demand, the negotiating parties – the government and Naga nationalists– have clarified that it was not possible as of now “unless parties from other States agree”.
He claimed that under his leadership as a chief minister, Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution reaffirming the longstanding demand for integration of Naga contiguous areas.
Rio asserted that though Nagas were living in different countries (India and Myanmar), they shared a strong emotional, cultural and social bond. Therefore, there could be no two settlements and Nagas of both the India and Myamar should support one another in reaching an honourable solution to the vexed Naga issue, he stressed.
Rio also mentioned that along with tribal hohos his government had appealed to NSCN (K) to join the peace process as Nagas wanted an inclusive solution. He also disclosed that so far, no response had been received from the group even as he appealed to the outfit to listen to the voice of people. On the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Rio said the issue was discussed in the cabinet and that Article 371 (A) and ILP regulation provided safeguard to Nagas. Rio however reiterated that if any part of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 for Assam went against the interest of Nagas, then his government would oppose it.
On the growing incidences of crime against women committed by “non-locals”, Rio said the government was monitoring the situation and supported strengthening of the ILP.
Referring to the petition of NPF to Election Commission of India seeking withdrawal of recognition to NDPP, Rio described it as “politically motivated” since the petition was filed after all the processes were over and his party had taken over the reins of government.
He asserted that NDPP was working on the matter and exuded confidence that the verdict would deliver justice against the petition.
On the 100-day commitment of his government to bring changes, Rio said the recently parliamentary by-poll had created hurdles. He, however, claimed that his government was compiling reports, adding that the achievements as well projects in pipeline would soon be made public.