Replying to the debate on budget, Rio urged both the treasury and Opposition benches to take the Naga political issue above petty politics. He urged the members to think collectively to place a common voice before the government of India and urge it to hammer out an honourable and acceptable solution to the six-decade-old problem.
Rio said to give tempo to the ongoing Naga peace process, the members of the Assembly must “bury their differences,” and come together cutting across party lines and discuss what would be best for the Naga people. They should then take a united stand before the Centre and the Naga militant groups, which he often referred to as “Naga national groups”.
He also appealed to the Naga factions to shun all forms of violence and antisocial activities by listening to the voice of the people. He appreciated the efforts of the political parties, NGOs, the Church and individuals for their efforts to resolve the issue and also lauded the Naga militants for their fight against the rights and identity of the Nagas.
Disagreeing with the contention and arguments of the Congress about his government’s efforts in resolving the Naga political issue, Rio said the NPF was aware of what the Congress had done to the Naga people and what they have not. He said the time had come for collective effort to solve the issue.
Rio said New Delhi should first spell out the “best offer” to resolve the issue. “We must emphasise what the government of India can do to Nagaland,” he added.
He mentioned of the contributions of the regional parties towards the Naga political issue. He said the entire Assembly had resigned when first ceasefire was declared in 1964 which was later abrogated after the failure of six rounds of talks with the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Again in 1998, he said, all non-Congress parties boycotted the state general elections with the chant: “We want solution not elections”.
He said these are the few instances where regional parties had sacrificed and contributed to the Naga cause and this cannot be ignored.
“The government of India must appreciate the stand of Naga people,” Rio said.
He said 12 years of ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) was too long without any tangible outcome when more then 60 rounds of talks have been held.
Commenting on the Congress’ assertion that the party would ask the Centre for full implementation of the 1960, 16-point agreement, Rio said few of the clauses of the agreement have not been implemented by the Centre.
He, however, informed the House that this pact was not a final solution to the Naga problem as the pact was signed between the Centre and the then Naga Peoples’ Convention, an overground organisation and not with the Naga militants.
“The Naga political problem is still alive,” he said, and added that the Prime Minister had recently assured him of resolving the Naga issue during his present tenure.
On the plight of the Nagas of Myanmar, the chief minister said his government would continue to voice for the recognition of Nagas in that country.
He said Myanmar Naga Hoho had approached the state government for support in their struggle for recognition and this issue, he added, has been placed before the Prime Minister and the Union home ministry who gave him a “go ahead”.
Rio was replying to the Opposition’s charges that he was interfering into the affairs of another sovereign nation.
“We must not be afraid and hesitate to speak for the Nagas of Myanmar,” the chief minister told the Assembly. He said the Nagas in that country should have a definite boundary and territory. Rio had also meet junta envoys and apprised them of the need to recognise the Naga people. He would also visit Yangon this year.