NPF hails Rio's visit to Myanmar
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Dimapur, February 11 2014:
The Naga People's Front (NPF) has expressed Nagaland Chief Minister, Mr.Neiphiu Rio for the first ever official visit of a Nagaland Chief Minister to Myanmar.
The visit was described by the Speaker of the Myanmar Parliament as historic and important.
In fact, it was a significant and path-breaking visit that is bound to have positive impact for the Naga people, especially those living in Myanmar.
The NPF said Rio has successfully brought the welfare of the Naga people to the forefront in the most positive manner.
His meetings with the Speaker of Myanmar Parliament, the Myanmar Union Minister for Border Affairs and the Chief Ministers of Mandalay and Sagaing have highlighted the plight of the Myanmar Nagas and at the same time his efforts will go a long way in enhancing bilateral relations between India and Myanmar.
His efforts towards upliftment of the Nagas in Myanmar, strengthening ties between the people of the two countries and promoting peace and goodwill have been rightly acknowledged by the leaders of Myanmar.
The visit of the Nagaland Chief Minister will surely contribute towards confidence building measures and increase people-to-people-contact, which will ultimately improve development and human progress, the NPF added.
The visit of Mr.Rio to Myanmar comes on the back of a series of initiatives undertaken up by him, including taking the plight of the Myanmar Nagas to the Prime Minister of India and other leaders of the Government of India and the representatives of the Myanmar Government in India, amongst others.
The NPF also extends appreciation to the Government of Myanmar and its leaders who have accorded impressive reception and warm hospitality to the Nagaland Chief Minister and his delegation.
The respect accorded to Mr.Rio and his team is commendable and significant for the entire Naga community.
The party also extends its appreciation to the Government of India for making the Chief Minister's historic visit possible.
The aid package announced by the Honorable Prime Minister of India amounting to 25 million US Dollars, over a five year period, for the border regions of Myanmar, including the Naga inhabited regions, during his last visit is deeply appreciated.
It is hoped that this momentum will be carried forward and enhanced during the Prime Minister's visit in March 2014.Appreciation is further extended to the Indian Embassy and its officials who have made the entire visit smooth and successful in every manner.
Our special gratitude goes out to the Naga leaders and the Naga people of Myanmar including the parliamentarians, civil society leaders and the Church who have accorded a memorable reception to the Chief Minister and made considerable efforts in making the visit a grand success.
The NPF then said all rank and file of the party not only congratulates the Chief Minister but also extends appreciation for his efforts of the past years which are beginning to bear fruit for the Naga people.