Discussion on 'Frontier Nagaland' continues
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies
Kohima, March 17 2012:
Members of both ruling Naga People's Front and opposition Congress continued their discussion on the demand for a separate state comprising four districts of the state in Nagaland assembly for the second day today.
The demand for a separate state 'Frontier Nagaland' was made by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) for backwardness of the region.
Naga People's Front (NPF) member CL John yesterday moved a discussion on matters of urgent public importance pertaining to the ENPO demand for a separate state comprising four border districts inhabited by six Naga tribes.
Kongam of Congress said if a separate state was created, the Nagas as a whole would receive more financial assistance from the Centre and would have more representatives in Parliament.
He said since granting of statehood was the prerogative of the Centre, the state government should support the ENPO demand and recommend it to the union government.
Naiba Konyak of NPF said the ENPO appreciated both the assembly speaker and the chief minister for bringing their demands to the house for discussions.
Giving the historical and political backgrounds of the border region, Konyak said there was also a demand for a union territory in 1979 in the region but the tempo of the movement died down when underground leaders started questioning the leaders of the movement.
He said the state government had already recommended for creation of an autonomous council comprising four districts and if the Nagas were united then the grievances of eastern people could be resolved.
SK Sangtam of Congress said that the 20 legislators from ENPO area should have been invited by the government to discuss the issue before the cabinet's decision recommending creation of an autonomous council.
He said the government should take everyone on board while dealing with such a serious issue.
Sangtam said the Govt should pay more attention to internal affairs when the integrity of the state was being threatened, instead of going outside the state in search of Naga integration.
Responding to the chief minister's request, Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie extended the discussions till Monday since many members wanted speak on the issue.