NAGALAND Governor Shyamal Dutta called upon both the Centre and the NSCN groups to conduct the political process in a more trasparent manner and keep the people of the State informed about the progress of such initiatives.

In his maiden address to the State Assemblies on the opening day of the current budget session, Mr. Dutta asserted that since the dialogue has been continuing for long, the process should be expedited to reach a political solution to the Naga issue. He said an enduring political solution could emerge when all sections of the people, both underground and overground, were able to discuss critical issues in an environmentfree from fear and suspicion.

Stating that this is the hallmark of a mature and domestic society, the Governor observed that if       the peace process and negotiations were not representative in nature and exclude various sections of Naga society from its ambit, any lasting settlement would remain elusive. Mr. Dutta said during       his recent visit to interiors of the     State after assuming office, he  found people at large had been yearning for peace and prosperity. They now realised that the fifty years of violence was enough for them and they do not want          their children should also suffer like them

Lauding the efforts initiated by Naga Hoho and other NGOs to bring about a reconciliation and consensus in the divided Naga society, the Governor expressed  deep displeasure over the  continuing animosity among the underground factions. He said, it was unfortunate that senseless     acts of violence between different factions continued to claim  precious lives. Instead of showing a common and united face and speaking in one voice to resolve the Naga political issue, the divisions, bitterness and differences among the Nagas are being exposed to the world. The Governor also appreciated the courage and determination of the government officials, security forces and para-military forces in protecting the lives of the citizens and bring about a climate of peace.

Stating that unlawful activities and crimes have been contained to a large extent, the Governor told the House that there was an unprecedented 25 per cent fall in the crime rate during the last one year. On police modernisation, Mr. Dutta informed the members that the Centre released Rs. 13.47 crore during the year for upgradation and augmentation of the equipment, mobility, communication, investigation skills and housing facility for State police personnel. The Governor said that these had been a noticeable improvement in the work culture within the government but insisted on further improvement at district level offices. He said with an aim at tackling and preventing corruption and fraudulent withdrawal, the Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Vigilance Commission and unearthed fraudulent drawals of pension fund to the tune of Rs. 2 crore.
  
|Nagaland | North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |