DIMAPUR, Aug 19 - In the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vaypayee, the Naga Hoho said that �the Nagas have lost a man who felt deeply for the Naga cause.�
The Naga Hoho also said that Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first Prime Minster who acknowledged the �unique history and situation of the Nagas� in 2002. According to the Naga Hoho, during his term as the Prime Minster, the Naga people had a great hope to resolve the Indo- Naga problem, �but unfortunately his stint as the Prime Minister ended before the Naga problem could be resolved.�
�While looking back, his zeal and determination to traverse the 72 km road from Dimapur to Kohima spoke volumes of his love for the Naga people, it was then he committed to grant the four-lane road between Kohima-Dimapur, the two important towns of Nagaland which was a remarkable memory for the Nagas and will be fondly remembered in all years to come,� the Naga Hoho recalled.
The Naga Hoho also said that Vaypayee�s sympathy and love for the Nagas was clearly understood when he, as the Prime Minister in 2003, granted financial aid to Nagaland to �waive out the entire deficit and start with zero deficit Budget by granting Rs 1,050 crore.� According to the Naga Hoho, this was a feat which no Prime Minister had ever done for Nagaland in its past 55 years of Statehood and in the history of Nagaland Assembly.
�The Nagas have indeed lost a valued leader who could relate to the Naga problem,� the Naga Hoho lamented. The Hoho expressed �profound sadness over the demise of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
�Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was an ardent politician, a poet and a real orator with whom India irrespective of political affiliation, fell in love,� the Naga Hoho said, adding, �He was a political icon and a transformer of the Indian society taking it to greater heights.�
