Synopsis
Nagaland's Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that the eastern region's underdevelopment stems from British neglect. He advocated for improved education, healthcare, and infrastructure while urging unity among tribal leaders for successful peace talks.Key Takeaways
- Eastern Nagaland is underdeveloped due to British neglect.
- Establishment of Tuensang headquarters in 1957.
- Advocating for quality education for local students.
- Calls for unity among tribal leaders for peace talks.
- Opposition to restrictions on Free Movement at border areas.
Kohima, April 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, emphasized that the eastern segment of the state is regarded as underdeveloped due to the British leaving these areas without administration.
He pointed out that the establishment of its headquarters at Tuensang as the Naga Hills Tuensang Area only occurred in 1957, whereas the mainland of Nagaland saw an earlier introduction of Christianity and education, resulting in a delayed educational development in the eastern regions.
Rio served as the Chief Guest at the 8th Eastern Naga Student Federation (ENSF) cultural fiesta and general conference themed 'Deliverance through Ethnicity Concord', held at Parade Ground, Tuensang.
He underscored the Union government's declaration of the Right to Education for all, with Nagaland actively working to enhance quality education to enable local students to compete effectively.
The Chief Minister stated that there is much work to be done in education, healthcare, road improvement, communication, and infrastructure in eastern Nagaland, affirming his government's dedication to the region's progress.
He called on all Hohos (a federation of Naga tribes), tribal leaders, and national workers to unite to ensure the successful conclusion of peace talks.
Rio also mentioned his government's strong opposition against the restriction of Free Movement between India and Myanmar in areas populated by the Nagas.
He urged the student community, administration, and police to exercise caution in issuing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Indigenous Certificates to prevent illegal migration.
Expressing pride in the Nagas being fortunate due to the British Act that protects their unique cultural and customary laws, Rio encouraged students to uphold their rich historical and cultural values.
The Chief Minister was joined by various officials, including the Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye, and the President of Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), A. Chingmak Chan.
Since 2010, the ENPO has been advocating for a separate 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' or state that encompasses six districts in eastern Nagaland: Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang, home to seven underprivileged tribes: Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung.
Officials have noted that the state government submitted comments on the third draft of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) concerning the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on November 6 last year.
A senior official indicated that two rounds of discussions have already taken place, one in New Delhi and another in Chumoukedima, with significant progress made, and the government remains optimistic that any outstanding concerns from the ENPO will be resolved.
