Nagaland Governor La Ganesan delivered his customary address on the second day of the first session of the 14th Nagaland state legislative assembly 2023 held at Nagaland Legislative Assembly, here in Kohima.

The Governor in his address said, the coming back of the NDPP-BJP alliance Government with a resounding majority has shown the enormous faith reposed in the ideals and the work done by the alliance govt in the last 5 years by the people of Nagaland.

Governor Ganesan stated that the decades long unresolved Indo Naga political issue, has impacted every sphere of the society, and created hurdles, especially to the economy and the progress of the state. The smooth march of the State on the path of development and prosperity has been affected, he added.

He assured the house that his government will be pro-active and continue playing the role of a “sincere” and active facilitator for strengthening the ongoing peace process for bringing an early solution and it remains committed of not coming in the way of an agreement that is arrived at through the peace process, that is honourable, acceptable, and inclusive.

On the demand of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) a separate statehood ‘Frontier Nagaland’, the Governor asserted that the Government of India has taken initiative in this regard and through a team constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs is holding consultations with the ENPO for a harmonious and sustainable resolution the entire matter.

Further, he said, his government is committed to assist the entire process so that Nagas can move together for suitably addressing the grievances of the Eastern people and to bridge the development deficit and bring these areas on par with the rest of the State at the earliest possible.

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With regard to the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, the Governor maintained that under the directions of the Supreme Court, the state government with a view to ensure grassroots democracy in the cities and towns has initiated the process for conduct of the long-overdue ULB elections. These elections, and constitution of the Bodies as per the provisions of the Constitution and in compliance of the directives of the Supreme Court, are critical for the equitable development, growth and progress of our cities and towns, he said.

The Governor also called upon the people concerned to come forward and assist in the successful conduct of the election in the interest of the people and the State.

On the construction of the Foothill Roads, he said the state government will continue to take steps for early construction of the Foothill Roads (Trans Nagaland Highway), a 320 KM stretch of road. He informed, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase I and II of this proposed Road project has been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

Governor La Ganesan also asserted that the state government is making necessary efforts to fully establish the Medical College at Kohima and start it from the academic year 2023-2024. He informed the state is also taking up with the GoI for converting it into a Central Institute such as Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) at Imphal, or as an AIIMS like Institute, which he said would help it to grow further, provide sustainability, as well as address the various capacity constraints.

The Governor also assured that the state government remains committed for ensuring the maintenance of law and order and peaceful atmosphere in the State.

“We will continue taking steps for strengthening and improving the infrastructure and capabilities of our district administration, police and security agencies so as to make them better equipped to handle their duties and responsibilities efficiently and effectively,” he added.

Further, Governor La Ganesan sought the assistance and participation of the people for the various G20 events and the Business Meet slated to take place at Kohima on 5 April 2023.