Govt working hard to resolve Naga issue, assures PM Modi
GUWAHATI: The Centre is working towards solving the Naga political issue and is hopeful of a resolution very soon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he wooed voters in Nagaland ahead of the assembly polls on February 27.
Modi’s comments come in the backdrop of simmering tension in the state over an alleged delay in finalising a peace deal with the Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-muivah).
The Centre had signed a framework agreement with the NSCN-IM in 2015 with the aim of solving the six-decade-old demand for more rights and creation of a Greater Nagalim comprising areas in the Northeast where Nagas reside.
“Our government is working seriously to address the Naga political problem. I am confident in the next few months the Naga people will get a solution which is honourable and suits their political rights,” Modi said at an election rally in Tuensang.
Ahead of this month’s assembly election, influential tribal bodies and civil groups had made political parties sign an agreement seeking postponement of the polls till a final solution to the issue is found. The decision to boycott the polls fell through after BJP backed off and decided to put up candidates for the February 27 polls.
“We are progressing with the aim of building a new India. The goal is possible only with the equal contribution of people of Nagaland. Let’s make a new Nagaland as well, along with a new India,” Modi said.
The BJP was part of a Naga People’s Front-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), which has been in power since 2003. But earlier this month, the BJP broke off the alliance and joined hands with the newlyformed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
NDPP has fielded 40 candi- dates, while the BJP has put up candidates in 20 seats.
The Prime Minister also addressed another rally in Phulbari in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, where the BJP is aiming to overthrow the ruling Congress.
“Give us a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance guided by the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. I believe old leaves will now wilt and fall and lotus will bloom in Meghalaya,” he said.
Accusing the Mukul Sangma government of encouraging corruption, Modi said Meghalaya has failed to see development in infrastructure, health and tourism due to faulty policies of the state government.
The BJP has fielded 47 candidates in Meghalaya. The total strength of the state assembly is 60. Modi also tried to allay fears of the majority Christian population in the state and expressed his love for the community. Modi described the February 27 polls as a time to change the future of Meghalaya.