Nagaland Chief Minister S. C. Jamir called upon all to work for permanent peace in the State which alone could bring development in this backward State.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Village Development Boards (VDBs) conference, Mr. Jamir said in the past one decade growth and development had been severely stunted because of violence. "Some forces, not part of the Naga struggle, are forcibly usurping the achievement of Nagaland gained by the people through blood, sweat and tears. They are enforcing all this through violence and the gun. In the process the State’s economy is being crippled and democracy destroyed," he said.

He appealed to all not to remain mute spectators and express their legitimate right to live in peace. "All should boldly come out against killings, crimes committed on innocent people and economic offences perpetrated on the citizens," he said and asked them to take the opportunity of such a platform, where people of 1068 villages congregate, in going for a collective decision for peace, progress and prosperity.

Mr. Jamir said Nagaland had evolved from a tiny district of Assam to a full-fledged State of the Indian Union through the efforts and sacrifices of an entire generation of Nagas. It was the wisdom and foresight of many Naga leaders representing all the tribes which had made statehood a reality, following the 16-point agreement signed with the Government of India in 1960.

Mr. Jamir said it was unfortunate that many young people were today distorting this momentous event without knowing the historical facts. He said the 16-point agreement was signed at a critical juncture of Naga history through the collective decision of all the tribes of Nagaland, when the misery and sorrow of the people knew no bounds. He cautioned the people not to be misled by the propaganda spread by vested interests regarding the 16-point agreement.

Giving details of the socio-economic condition of the State at the time of attaining statehood in 1963, he said the literacy rate was only 18 per cent as compared to 83 per cent today, there were only two high schools, no colleges and only two government hospitals. Black topped roads totalled only 168 kilometres and the total budget in 1963 was a paltry Rs 3.88 crore. The State had made tangible and spectacular achievements since then in every field.

Mr. Jamir said the Village Development Boards were the cornerstones of the State and should implement more income-generating schemes instead of concentrating only on infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, addressing another meeting of Mokokchung District Congress Committee Mr. Jamir said the BJP was trying to divide the Nagas and appealed to the party workers and the people to be aware of the impending danger of BJP’s intrusion in Nagaland. Mr. Jamir said the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal were out to drive out Christians from India by setting churches on fire, killing thousands of Christians and raping nuns. He said it was high time for the Nagas to choose either Satan or Jesus Christ as saviour.