Kohima,16 June: Development alone is not sufficient but peace and security should complement all activities of the state Government, Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen said while addressing the Administrative and Police Officers at the DC’s office chamber on 15th June 2008. He said we cannot allow our people to live under threat and impressed upon the officers that peace and security is the concern of everyone. He added that DAN Government’s policy is for peace and development which are two sides of the same coin.
The message today, the Home Minister said, is to tell the UG cadres that the people of Nagaland don’t appreciate their presence in the populated areas. He urged the security forces to utilize Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) to flush out all UG factions in the district. The arrested cadres should be booked under the authority of National Security Act, he added. Calling upon the implementing agencies in the district, he said time has come for us to act. The Government does not exist in the name of the Government but for the people so we should act before it is too late or perhaps land towards trouble, he said. He said that the will of the people must be respected, and it is time for the UGs to hear the call to vacate the civil areas, adding that ceasefire is not a license to kill people or even among themselves. He highlighted the example of the Indian National Congress in their struggle against the British power, and stated that Indians never killed Indians, so why do we kill our own brothers, he questioned.
Imchen impressed upon the civil society and mass based NGOs and said that they should get involved as it is everyone’s business for a peaceful Nagaland. ‘Be strong’, he added and said that the Government is behind them and all possible assistance will be rendered. He said that division among the UG factions are the barrier for any Naga solution and added that we should utilize the time for peace as only a peaceful mindset can bring peace. The NGOs being neutral bodies can work wonders as there is no obligation to anybody. He encouraged the civil societies to rise above petty barriers for a lasting solution.
Minister for School Education Nyeiwang Konyak, Minister for Roads & Bridges, Kaito Aye, Commissioner, Nagaland H. K. Khullu also spoke on the topic ‘Ushering peace and development in Nagaland’.
SP, Zunheboto K. Kivigho Chishi gave a brief account of apprehension and steps to be taken in the district to tackle any eventuality. DC Zunheboto C.M. Tsanglao chaired the meeting. Earlier he gave a brief overview of the Law and Order and the present state of affairs in the district. He emphasized his appreciation to the Home Minister for the special care taken by him about law and order. Later he requested posting of a NAP platoon at Zadoi under Zunheboto district. The meeting was also attended by the GBs, DBs, Zunheboto Town Council, Sumi Hoho, Totimi Hoho and Concerned Citizens Forum, Zunheboto to assess and interact about the overall situation in Zunheboto district.
President Sumi Hoho, Zunheboto Hokishe Yepthomi gave a short speech and assured that Sumis are all behind the Government to support peace in Nagaland. H. S. Rotokha viewed that the Government of Nagaland should be a party to the signatories for ceasefire and ceasefire amongst the UGs should be implemented. The other dignitaries present were Parliamentary Secretary, Transport & Communication, Dako Phom, Chairman NIDC Nuklutoshi, Parliamentary Secretary Rural Development, Pangnyu Phom, MLA & Chairman, Handloom & Handicraft Shetoi and Deputy Secretary (Home) S.K. Sangtam. The entourage departed for Longleng after the meeting.