Nagaland govt supports dialogue between Centre & NSCN (IM)

Governor P B Acharya today said the Nagaland government supports the ongoing dialogue between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) and would strive for a final solution to the six-decades old Naga political issue.
The Nagaland government has also recently constituted the 'Political Affairs Mission' to spearhead the Government's efforts in this area, replacing the erstwhile Political Affairs Committee of the State Government, Acharya said while addressing the budget session of the Nagland assembly.
Acharya said the state government would continue to strive to work for a final solution to the more than six decades old Naga political issue in a peaceful, inclusive and honourable manner.

The Governor also to NSCN (K) to resume ceasefire with the Centre in the larger interest of the Nagas.
Acharya said the Nagaland government faced various problems in conducting elections to Urban Local Bodies in the state.
He recalled that the elections, notified on December 1 last year were opposed by several tribal bodies and groups, leading to violence and the elections being ultimately declared null and void, keeping in view the overall situation and the sentiments of the people.

He said the opposition to elections was on the ground that the 33 per cent reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies infringed Article 371-A of the Constitution.

The Governor condoled the lost of two precious lives in the ensuing violence in Dimapur while also expressing that functioning of Government offices was disrupted due to bandhs during the agitation.
He informed the House that a judicial inquiry is being ordered to inquire into the matter while also asserting that the Government will hold consultations with all the stakeholders, the civil societies and the tribal bodies for arriving at consensual approach towards Urban Local Bodies elections and related matters at the right time.
On the International border fencing at Pangsha and Noklak, he said through the collective efforts of the civil society organisations, State and Central Government, it has been possible to impress upon the Myanmar Government to stop the border fencing work.

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"My Government would strive to align its various programmes accordingly so that we accelerate the development activities in the state with focus on creating employment for the educated unemployed youth and ensure that the fruits of development percolate equitably to all parts of the state," the Governor asserted.
On Agriculture and allied sectors, he said the state is deficit in rice production by 24 per cent and the government's priority is to increase production and productivity with suitable technologies in farming systems and achieve food security.
"Our bountiful natural resources in the form of land, water and vegetation need sustainable interventions. Towards this end, the detailed jhum land survey of the state has been already completed while the state water policy is under active consideration of the Government," he said.

The Governor also touched upon other sectors including education, health, social, economic services and infrastructure sectors. Stating that unemployment is one of the biggest challenges that the state faces, he said Naga youths by their very nature are restive and aspirational.
"Our education system, each year, churns out several youth equipped with degrees but without skills that guarantee jobs in the job market and this is an area where our Government shall take corrective measures," he said.
Acharya announced that the state government has decided to implement revision of pay for state government employees following implementation of recommendations of the seventh central pay commission by the Central government.

"While this will bring much needed relief to the state government employees, the additional financial burden should draw our attention on the need to raising revenue and economising on government expenditure to the extent possible," he said.
Transparency, efficiency, and accountability, with promotion of cashless transactions and direct benefit transfers, will also help us in achieving these objectives, the Governor added.
Motion of thanks to the Governor's address was conveyed by MLA Longrineken and seconded by MLA Neiphrezo Keditsu.
Discussion on the motion of thanks will be taken up on 23rd and 24th of this month, announced NLA Deputy Speaker Imtikumzuk.

Subsequently, the House observed two-minute silence after obituary references were made by Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu on the passing away of Late Jayalaitha, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and Deputy Speaker Imtikumzuk on the demise of three former members of NLA, Late Mhonshan Murry, Late K V Pusa and Late Tokheho Pusa.