Nagaland Governor La Ganesan today gave a clarion call to all the stakeholders in the ongoing Naga peace process for hammering out their differences and work towards finding a permanent solution to the vexed Naga political issue.

During his address in the ongoing 4th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the Nagaland Governor in his renewed call for achieving permanent peace said, “we continue to remain mindful of our unresolved Naga Political issue, which has been one of the major constraints in the pursuit of our development and welfare goals. For the last many years, it has been the cherished dream of everyone in Nagaland to witness the final solution to the Naga Political Issue, and to live and work in a peaceful environment. On behalf and for the sake of the people of Nagaland, I once again call upon all the stakeholders to overcome their differences and any other remaining obstacles, and to thrash out the final solution in a spirit of give and take.”

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Besides, the Nagaland Governor assured that the government will continue to give the topmost priority for finding an acceptable solution. He maintained that the government remains committed in strengthening the whole process and play the role of an active facilitator.

“My Government have been giving, and will continue to give the highest importance to the peaceful resolution of the Naga Political issue; and we will take every possible step in furthering and strengthening the ongoing peace process, and in playing the role of active and constructive facilitator,” Governor La Ganesan added.

The Nagaland Governor further assured that the Government is ready to pave the way for a final solution which is honourable, acceptable and inclusive.

Nagaland Governor La Ganesan also batted for unity among the tribes in Nagaland which according to him is the need of the hour, Governor Ganesan said this in context of a Frontier Nagaland territory as demanded by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO).

Governor Ganesan maintained that the government is doing the needful to bridge the gaps in terms of development in the backward regions of the state. The governor said that every aspect will be taken into account especially through the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Underdeveloped Areas Programme (UDAP).

The Nagaland Governor said, “My Government continues on its mission to drive development and growth in the less developed regions of our State. The Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) is actively taking up activities to fill up the developmental gaps in the backward regions of the state in the areas of infrastructural development, education, healthcare, livelihood, and economic development etc through the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Underdeveloped Areas Programme (UDAP).”

Appreciating the initiatives being taken by the Central Government to redress the problems and grievances of the people of Eastern Nagaland, he said his Government remains committed to provide our fullest assistance in suitably addressing all these issues. “At this juncture, the need of the hour is Naga unity; and the Nagas can achieve the much needed unity by remembering their shared and intertwined history, by respecting and caring for each other, and consciously nurturing the Naga brotherhood,” the Nagaland Governor added.

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Nagaland Governor La Ganesan during his address also dwelled on the matter regarding the announcement made by the Government of India for suspension of Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border, across the States and remarked that the announcement has evoked concern and anxiety among our people, especially those staying in the border areas.

“In view of the Naga history, the close tribal and family bonds shared by people across the borders, and also the traditional ownership of land in many cases transcending international boundaries, we are seeking reconsideration of the decision by the Central Government, and for the continuance of the FMR,” said the Governor adding that his Government has further requested the Central Government, and for the continuance of the FMR,” said the Governor adding that his Government has further requested the Central Government to make appropriate regulations for movement of people across the borders in consultation with the State Government.

Mentioning that the state is also seeking to bring in the Village Council Authorities concerned in the entire system of regulations of the FMR for its proper and smooth implementation, the Governor said his government remain hopeful of an early and favourable response to our plea.

Further, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also informed that the house will hold discussions on FMR during the ongoing session.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who also holds the Finance portfolio will present the budget for the year 2024-25 on February 27.