“In Kashmir, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is needed. In the Northeast, however, there should be amendments or modifications in the clauses,” said Gao, referring to the implementation issue of the army act in the state.
“Kashmir cannot be compared to the northeastern states,” the BJP leaders said.
Commenting on the Disturbed Area Act in the state, the party said the extension of the act could immensely affect the peace process between the Centre and the Naga political groups. In a statement, the leaders appreciated the initiative taken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation to foster a feeling of unity among various Naga political groups.
They said the current focus point of the party was to fight corruption at all levels.
“Largescale corruption in various departments should be checked and controlled,” Gao said. “A responsible government should ensure free and fair municipal and town council elections on time.”
Gao said the BJP had direc-ted all its state units to study local issues and the party wou-ld soon start putting pressure on the government agencies. “A responsible government should also ensure social security in the state,” he said.
The national secretary said economic resolutions like maintaining prices of essential commodities should be taken and illegal taxes, donations or collections should be banned and preventive measures taken.
Gao said the party always upheld the principle of fundamental economy of the people, particularly those residing in rural and remote areas and the weaker sections of society, to ensure availability of essential commodities at affordable prices.
The party also advocated maintaining transparency in public distribution system for the benefit of the common man. “The government should strongly resolve to protect land and its resources in Nagaland,” Gao said.
Cutting across political differences, the Opposition Congress, the Naga People’s Front and its ruling alliance have all urged the Centre to revoke the extension of the act on the ground that the state was almost peaceful because of the ongoing ceasefire between the Centre and the Naga outfits.
groups.
The Congress blamed the ruling democratic alliance of Nagaland for extension of the act in Nagaland, while the state government rebutted the Opposition’s charges.
Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation and several other Naga organisations have condemned the Centre for further extension of the act in the state.