11 Jully : State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio stated that the Naga Political Issue is not above the political party differences and called upon for better understanding and more cohesion to work for the Nagas. Replying to the discussions on the Budget during the Assembly session this morning, Rio said that political party differences should be overlooked and the time has come to think collectively and not individually.Appreciating the Opposition Bench for wanting the Naga Political Issue to be settled peacefully, Rio said that all the sixty elected members should come together to think collectively and bring about a solution that would be the best suited for the people. He said that blame games will not bring any solution and leaders from all political parties should work together as ‘Naga leaders’. Rio further appealed to all underground factions to listen to the voice of the Nagas and stop all illegal activities, extortions, killings, criticisms and other unlawful acts and further collaborate with the Naga leaders to bring about a peaceful solution to the Naga Political Issue.
Rio said that the DAN Government has made a lot of achievements during the last six years with the support from the people and further welcomed all the positive criticisms on the budget from the Opposition Bench. He said that the Government has made tremendous progress in the agriculture sector after the declaration of the ‘Year of Farmers’. The State Government was awarded gold medal for Rural Sanitation and UN Award for good governance in addition to a lot of new initiatives taken up in various sectors/departments. The Government has also implemented quality Control and a number of schemes/programmes have been initiated for the youth, especially in the field of sports. He said that the Government has also been taking up initiatives for youth employment in various sectors like hospitality, airlines sector, music, crafts etc where around 7000 youths have already benefited. Rio said that the Government would continue to work for the youth.
Rio also commented that the law and order situation in the State is under control. On the creation of a number of new administrative headquarters, Rio stated that minimum required posts have been created and the District Administrative Reforms Committee have been formed and assessments are being made to determine the backwardness of the area/tribes and give special emphasis on developmental activities. Rio also voiced concerns on the need to revamp the industrial sector by weeding out the defunct entrepreneurs and giving importance to the genuine ones.