Former Nagaland Chief Minister Dr S C Jamir asserted that once the Indo Naga Political issue is resolved, issues of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) and other issues pertaining to the State will also be resolved amicably and satisfactorily. The move to boycott elections, closing down of government offices and educational institutions is only injuring ourselves, said Jamir.

Recollecting the history, Jamir pointed out that after Nagaland attained statehood the Eastern Region was given the status of a regional council which was necessary at that point of time however, the Eastern leaders after 10 years voluntarily dissolved the regional council and participated in the State general election. “After dissolving this regional council voluntarily by themselves they want to revive the same kind of arrangement after nearly 50 years,” said Jamir.

He said as far as politics is concerned Eastern people were given ample opportunities to develop themselves as worthy citizens of a democratic country.

“…why should they point fingers at others. Should we not reexamine our approach, what had happened to the leaders of Tuensang during these so many years, what they were doing because Assembly has a forum where they can speak out, where they can place their problems, but have they ever put up their problem as they are doing in the form of ENPO organization, I doubt very much,” added Jamir.

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Jamir opined that ENPO leaders should be proud to be a part of Nagaland which was jointly founded nearly 50 years ago and said that ENPO problem is not a political problem. Adding, that the Eastern people must first remove the label of backward, he said, “you are much more advance and wiser than others. Using the label of backward is really disturbing or it has become a trademark. What you require is good roads, good institutions, health care system and try to develop the villages because there are lots of resources to be developed there.”

He was of the view that instead of creating situations the ENPO leaders should sit across the table with the Government

and discuss what really are the problem faced by the people and work out a system whereby developmental activities can be carried out in a manner wherein there should be no other external interference in the process.

Further, Jamir appealed to ENPO not to consider themselves as backward nor to have the notion that they have been ill treated. He said, it is only a matter of time when the Eastern region will also boom once the ‘Look East Policy’ is fully matured.

“You will be the most benefactory and keeping in view the long term prospect why not cooperate with State and Central Government and sit across the table and show them that you are matured politicians and people that can deal with both domestic and State problems,” added Jamir.

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