Naga resolution top agenda: Rio
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, May 09 2019: Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has said that at the top of his Government's agenda is the resolution of the Indo-Naga political conflict.

"Our people have suffered for too long and the political conflict has created challenges and hurdles for generations in realizing their ambitions", said the Nagaland Chief Minister, adding, "My Government has taken significant steps in playing the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing peace process so that unity and reconciliation and a final honourable, inclusive and acceptable settlement comes at the earliest" .

Neiphiu Rio was speaking at the 28th Biennial General Conference of the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Thursday at Bhandari town, Wokha in Nagaland.

According to him, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously passed resolutions recognizing the 'sacrifices and sufferings of the Naga Nationalists' and their families.

Rio also said that consecutive Governments have formed the Nagaland Legislative Assembly's Joint Legislators Forum.

"The cry of the Naga people is for resolution of the conflict through a negotiated settlement that is honorable and inclusive," Rio added.

The Nagaland Chief Minister further said that the Nagas are at a crucial juncture in 'our' history.

Congratulating the NSF executive body and the organizing committee for organizing this conference in a grand and memorable manner, the Nagaland Chief Minister said that the NSF is the apex body of the students' community across 'all Naga areas and it is one of the most respected civil society organizations' .

Apart from elevating the welfare of the students and the youth, the Federation has made significant contributions to Naga society in multiple aspects, Rio said.

He further stated that the NSF has reflected the voice of the people whenever any situation arose.

"The NSF is indeed a movement, and we can all say with confidence that this movement has greatly contributed towards the unification of our people beyond man-made boundaries," he added.

"I must place on record, the appreciation of our people for the NSF, as this organisation has always risen to the occasion whenever the Naga people have called" Rio said.

He further said that the NSF has also given "our people some of our finest leaders" across different spheres including civil society and in the political arena.

"Even now, one of the youngest members of the Nagaland Assembly and the State Cabinet Tongpang Ozukum is a former NSF president," the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister said that the NSF Conference which takes place every two years is one of the highest gatherings of the student community from not only Nagaland State but also from across Naga tribes that transcends man-made boundaries.

"Indeed, this is a significant event that precedes all factors and unifies our people, while building up a common feeling of being Naga.

I am sure each and every participant, especially the delegates, will have many positive takeaways from this conference and the experiences gained in the course of the next couple of days will have a lasting impact on your lives," Rio added.

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