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Rio urges people to redouble efforts for peace

By Correspondent

DIMAPUR, Aug 16 � Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the people to redouble their efforts to bring about peace and prosperity in the State, as also to put in place a just and equitable system stating �we owe it to our future generations�.

Addressing a big gathering at the 64th Independence Day celebration at Secretariat Plaza in Kohima, Rio said despite six decades of insurgency and violence, Nagaland has done reasonably well in the area of human development. He said the rate of literacy, quality of education, health and other socio-economic development indicators have improved remarkably over the years.

Stating that today Nagas are marching confidently with the rest of the country on the path of peace and prosperity, he appealed to the people to lay a solid foundation of a progressive society that rises above tribalism and petty parochialism, a society that prides in Naga unity and oneness and discourages division on tribal lines.

The State is slowly emerging out of long shadows of violence and turmoil , he said, adding that today people are enjoying a relatively peaceful atmosphere, a life which had not been seen for decades. He maintained that despite many difficulties, the ceasefire with the major underground groups is holding good and negotiations for a lasting solution to the Naga political problem are going on.

The Chief Minister also appealed to both the Government of India and the underground groups to give their full commitment to the political negotiations so as to achieve this long cherished goal.

Regretting that the State had witnessed some unfortunate incidents of violence in Dimapur and Peren districts recently where precious lives were lost and few others injured, he said the government condemns such acts of violence in the strongest terms and urged all citizens to settle differences through peaeful means. The Government will not allow any group to take law into their own hands, he asserted while also pointing out that the Government has resolved to firmly deal with all forms of extortions.

Dwelling on the separate State demand by Eastern Naga People�s Organisation, the CM said, recognising the sentiments of the people of these areas, the government has proposed an Autonomous Council for four districts of eastern Naga areas. He said the government has firm belief that the aspirations of the people from these districts can be met with empathy and magnanimity, without creating an atmosphere of acrimony and mistrust.

Rio, however, stated that further division of the State will be a stumbling block for the future progress of the Nagas. He also reaffirmed that the government continues to stand by the resolutions passed by the Nagaland Assembly for integration of Naga- inhabited areas.

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