Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang today lamented that state's potentials are yet to be fully harnessed because of the unresolved Naga political issue.
The state of Nagaland was created as a consequence of the 16-Point Agreement of 1960 between the Government of India and the Naga People's Convention, and it was inaugurated by the then President, Dr S Radhakrishnan on December 1, 1963, Zeliang said during the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage village Kisama here.
Highlighting the problems and potentials of the state for the past 52 years, the CM said being dogged by Naga political issue from day one, the potentials of the state are yet to be fully harnessed.
"The advantages that our state has, such as the rich cultural heritage, its natural beauty and abundant natural resources, including minerals and oil, and its strategic location are yet to be truly exploited to the state's advantage," he said.
With its cultural and historical links with the ASEAN region, and with its educated English speaking youth, Nagaland can play a significant role in the Central Government's 'Act East' policy, he said.
"Once the Act East Policy is in full swing, Nagaland and its people can form a vital link between mainland India and the South East Asian Countries. Our geographical isolation will then become a thing of the past, and we will be considered strategically located," he said.
The state can then start exporting English teachers, trained nurses, Naga King chilly, horticultural products, and many other aromatic and medicinal herbs, he said.
