After a day-long marathon discussion, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Thursday adopted the Motion of Thanks to Governor La Ganesan’s address, delivered on March 21.

In his reply to questions and points raised by the members of the Naga People’s Front seeking amendment in the governor’s speech, Chief Minister and Leader of House (LoH) Neiphiu Rio remarked that claiming only one party – NPF – as the champion of the Naga political issue is totally “unreasonable” and far from the reality of the present given situation.

Coming down heavily on NPF MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu’s statement, Rio stated that the Naga political issue and the Naga political movement is not the “private property” or domain of any party, organisation or individual but that every Naga citizen is a direct stakeholder in the Naga aspiration for genuine peace and honourable solution.

“Let us remember that every Naga family across all our inhabited areas have made sacrifices and contributions to the Naga movement over generations. It is because of the contributions of all sections of the people, that our movement has reached thus far. Our history and culture have been recognised as unique and political negotiations are ongoing at the highest level. Claiming to be the sole champion and the only party that stands for Naga issue is unacceptable and disrespect to all Nagas across generations,” added Rio.

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LoH pointed out that the contributions and sacrifices of past leaders and political parties are acknowledged and not denied, but to say that only one party has made contributions and is the only champion is unreasonable.

He said, “Let us not make political rhetoric and play to galleries, but rather let us be practical, realistic and honest and work collectively.” Stating this, Rio said ‘the house should send out the right message of oneness so that other sections also take our lead and forge unity’.

He opined that ‘to say that only one party is the champion and the owner will create mistrust, disunity and one will be ridiculed by the public’.

Letter of support to PDA government

On the matter of letter of support submitted to the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government, Rio said, he had spoken to the BJP high command and central leaders and that they had agreed heartily, and he accepts the support extended to his Government.

He was of the view that the coming together of all the political parties and independents will help the State in reaching even higher level of development, progress and for early solution of Naga political issue which is what we inspire and look forward to it.

Firing incident at Thilixu village

Highlighting the firing incident on 18 March at Thilixu village by Isak Sumi and his cadres, Rio informed that a case has been registered in Diphupar PS in this connection and the matter was also taken up with the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Supervisory board who has officially communicated that Isak Sumi faction is not a recognised faction and that unauthorized arm movement of some group in and around Nagaland is prevented and necessary action is being taken up as per the law in connection with the firing incident.

Stating this, Rio said members should not construct this sudden incident as breakdown of the law and order situation in the state. Law and order is quite normal and peaceful, he said.

Rights of the indigenous people of the state

On the issue of Inner Line Permit (ILP), Rio asserted that the state government is in the process of taking several administrative and structural measures for strengthening the procedure for identification, scrutiny and issue of Indigenous Certificate, in order to completely curb the possibility of issues of fake Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate and protecting the right of the Indigenous people of the state.

When NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer asked the NPF MLAs whether they would withdraw their move for amendments, Achumbemo Kikon, chief whip of NPF Legislature withdrew the amendment after the Chief Minister gave assurance. Accordingly, the move for amendments was withdrawn.

Read more: Governor Ganesan addresses first session of Nagaland legislative assembly