New Ukhrul Council leaders spell out vision for Naga cause
Source: Hueiyen News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, June 20 2015 :
Close on the heels of the Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) staking claim to form its Autonomous District Council in Ukhrul District, the party's council leaders have laid out vision vowing to expedite the Indo-Naga peace process as well as consolidate grassroots democracy in the district in line with the party's priorities.
In an interaction with media persons at the party office at Hamleikhong on Saturday, Ukhrul ADC Chairman designate Dr Yaronsho Ngalung highlighted a set of ideals and priorities, stating that his council is committed expedite the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, apart from pursuing devolution of ADC power and economic uplift at grassroots level on priority basis among others.
Assuring to fully support the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, he said that his council would definitely proceed and mobilize for the cause of the Nagas during the ensuing tenure.
With several books documenting the Naga political history including "The Naga Integration � A Prerequisite for Indo-Naga Political Solution" to his credit, Dr Ngalung seems all set to go the extra mile for the cause.
"It is time we work for an early resolution to the age-old Naga political issue as top priority," he asserted while lamenting that the peace process has dragged on for more than 18 long years now.
He further stressed that there is no autonomy in its real sense in the hill districts and that devolution of ADC power is a must evolving a meaningful democracy at grassroots level.
Maintaining that there is grinding backwardness in the district, he said that development package is all that is needed to both boost the economic conditions of the people and create infrastructural development.
He then vowed to check all forms of corruption that have eaten into the functioning of various governmental departments in the district.
Meanwhile, sharing the same vision, deputy leader KS Thanmi advocated unconditional support to the cause of the Nagas.
According to him, prolonged delay in resolving the Indo-Naga political issue has taken a heavy toll on the security of the innocent Naga civilians.
Inspired by the mission of his father who served as the first MDC vice chairman of the district during the MDC 1973-78, Thanmi envisioned to lead his fellow brethren to the path of development and prosperity by following the footsteps of his father.
"This is our land and it is only fitting that our own people are led by ourselves and not outsiders," he claimed while appealing for cooperation and support to the new council from the people of the district.