Later, addressing media persons, Singh said the political situation in Nagaland will adversely affect the State’s economic development and spread it to the entire North East, particularly in the wake of the recent attacks by insurgents.
“Any incident or happening which tends to interfere with the peace and tranquility will have adverse effect on the economic development of Nagaland and the entire NE region”, he said.
Asserting that the Central Government is committed to ensuring peace and tranquility in the State, the Minister affirmed that no force would be allowed to undermine that objective.
When asked if delaying tactics in finding a solution had caused the 14-year-old ceasefire with NSCN (K) to backfire, Singh refused to be drawn into the matter as it could further complicate the issue.
On the Naga issue, Singh said solution to the issue will be “inclusive” and felt it is more important to unite all factions.
Singh described his visit as a mission to build trust and confidence of the people and to make them realise that Government of India stood for the development of the region. The present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi “keeps North East on a very high priority”, he added.
Interlocutor Ravi also reiterated that all other Naga groups would also be taken onboard at an “appropriate time” for a final solution to the Naga issue. “We have made it very clear that final solution will not be there without taking the Nagas and other groups on board,” he said.
Ravi said “Naga solution is inclusive and the entire society should be part of it... solution to Naga issue is not for a particular group.”