Rio assures of co-existence with neighbouring states

May 20, 2018, Guwahati:

3rd Conclave of the North East Democratic Alliance at Guwahati on May 20, 2018

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that although the states of the Northeast region may have different background, history and culture, nevertheless, the region is one entity and unless the sister states co-exist with one another, the region will face problems. Addressing the 3rd Conclave of the North East Democratic Alliance at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium in Guwahati today, the Chief Minister said, “We need one another and I feel strongly that we have to co-exist.”

Stating that the Naga political issue with ceasefire and peace talks were going on for the last 21 years, Rio expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved soon and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP led NDA Government’s sincerity towards the Naga peace process. “In this, I seek the support of our sister northeastern states and I assure you that Nagas do not mean to go against any State or any people but instead I hope that settlement brings us more unity and oneness and we will see that you are not deprived. The apprehensions which you fear will be mutually agreed upon so that we will co-exist in harmony,” Rio affirmed.

Raising the contentious issue of inter-state border disputes, Rio recognized the fact that there was a prolonged border issue with neighbouring States particularly Assam for which there was a long-pending case in the Supreme Court too. “I was very happy the other day when Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma told me that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal and we all should start talking and we should find an amicable settlement to our border issues. I fully support this and I feel that our neighbouring states should all come together to solve these issues because there are small things that can keep us divided for long time to come,” the Chief Minister opined.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the plight of the State in terms of air connectivity and while appreciating the UDAN scheme also appealed to the Government of India to expedite its implementation to boost regional air inter-connectivity. Stating that it was very hard to go to neighbouring States especially by road, Rio also rued the fact that there is only one route connecting Dimapur to Delhi via Kolkata. Therefore, it was important to connect the northeastern States with each other as this will bring the people closer together and foster better relations among States, Rio added.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at 3rd Conclave of the North East Democratic Alliance at Guwahati on May 20, 2018

Lauding national BJP President Amit Shah for setting up the North East Democratic Alliance, Rio said that this was the right platform for leaders of the region to sit together and work for the common interests and common problems for the good of the region. “We look forward to working together with the sister Northeast states,” and placed on record his appreciation to the BJP for taking all smaller parties on board and treating them as equal stakeholders saying this was real democracy. The Chief Minister further mooted the idea of having a Working Group which could meet more often.

Taking the opportunity, Rio thanked the BJP national president Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thee rank and file of the BJP, the Nagaland State unit of the BJP and all the alliance partners for supporting the NDPP thereby becoming a part of the NEDA family as its newest member. He expressed hope that the BJP and alliance parties would continue to provide guidance and support to the NDPP. “Today, with the support and cooperation of the NDA Government at the Centre and the NEDA, we have a strong and stable Government and we will continue to serve the people with utmost sincerity,” the Chief Minister added.

A host of Ministers and Advisors led by the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton from Nagaland attended the Conclave which was graced by Amit Shah, national BJP president as the chief guest. Others who attended and spoke at the conclave included Dr Hemanta Biswa Sarma, Chairman NEDA and Minister, Govt of Assam; Pema Khandu, CM of Arunachal Pradesh; Conrad Sangma, CM of Meghalaya; Sarbananda Sonowal, CM of Assam; N. Biren Singh, CM of Manipur; Biplab Kumar Deb, CM of Tripura; PD Rai, MP from Sikkim; NC Debbarma, President of Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura; Atul Bora, President of Asom Gana Parishad; Hagrama Mohilary, Chief Executive Member, BTC and President of Bodoland People’s Front etc. Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain also attended the conclave.