Rio was speaking at a consultative meet on Article 371(A), petroleum and natural gas in relation to Article 371(A), Rules of Executive Business and Special Economic Development Zone held at Capital Convention Centre, here on Wednesday.
Terming the meeting as historic, he said it is important to understand the genesis and actual position that Nagas are facing today. He reminded that the 16-Point Agreement was the outcome of Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) and that it is necessary to have such consultative meet when the agreement is being questioned by the Government of India. “Nagas are further divided today and that is why even what has been agreed is questioned,” he said.
Alleging that the Government of India is trying to put pressure to take away the rights of the Nagas, Rio appealed to the people of Nagaland to be united. With regard to the Article 371 (A), he said “We are within the Constitution but the Government of India has itself become unconstitutional,” Rio stated. He further reminded that others will take advantage if we do not implement and go forward with the rules framed in the State Assembly.
The CM also presented a concept note with regard to the Special Economic Development Zone.
Planning and Co-ordination Minister TR Zeliang elaborated on the latest position of petroleum and natural gas in relation to Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India. He enlightened the House on the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India, letters to the Chief Minister from Union Petroleum Minister, letters to Nagaland Chief Secretary from the Director, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, Assembly Resolution 2010, Consultative Meeting resolution held on 12th July, 2013. Zeliang appealed to all the tribes to be united, saying the government of the day and the people of Nagaland should speak in one voice to uphold the Article 371 (A).
President of High Court Bar Association Timikha Koza, who gave a presentation of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India and its interpretation, reaffirmed that the Bar has resolved to resolutely defend the rights guaranteed under Article 371(A) and invited all civil societies, NGOs and public in general to come forward to take a united stand in defending the special provision.
Pointing out that the issues of 16-Point Agreement and Article 371(A) of the Constitution are being discussed after 50 years of Statehood in an open public forum without any hesitations, Timikha said it is painful to observe that what the Government of India has given to the Nagas as a special provision by the right hand, it is trying to take back with the left, one by one.
Towards this, he cited the examples of transfer of the State of Nagaland from External Affairs Ministry to Home Ministry, removal of Nagaland from special funding pattern in 1989 and now the Centre is trying to interfere in the ownership of land and its resources.