Guwahati: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio claimed on Thursday that the parties to the Naga political dispute’s negotiations had already signed the Framework Agreement and the Agree Position, indicating their intent to engage with the Indian Union.
Rio argued that, in order to co-exist with a new relationship between the two entities and to uphold the notion that sovereignty belongs to the people, it is important to acknowledge the distinctive history of the Nagas.
The chief minister of Nagaland gave a speech in the opening of the Lotha Hoho building in Wokha town.
He added that a settlement should occur as soon as possible and that the current administration is sincere and committed to doing so. If this is the case, he said, “We will not obstruct but will pave the way in Naga wisdom and tribal wisdom and resign for the interim government and think in terms of how Nagas should live as a united family and progress with the help of God.”
Rio referred to Nagaland as a state with a special status, adding that “the special status given to us involving decision according to our Customary Law, we have a recognised tradition and customary law, and the guardians of the customary law and traditions of the Nagas and the community is the apex body of the tribal hohos and the Village Council institutional Chairman is the ultimate authority.”
He urged the keepers of our traditional law and customs to understand the fundamental purpose of the institution and act in accordance with that purpose for the good of our community.
He emphasised the abundance of natural resources in the Wokha district and asked the Lotha community to strive hard for a progressive society. Additionally, he urged the populace to adopt a positive outlook and learn how to live in peace and harmony with one another in order to create a progressive Naga society. The Chief Minister also mentioned that there are roughly 15 programmes that directly benefit farmers. He urged the District Administration and relevant departments to monitor the programmes and policies to ensure that they are carried out correctly and that both the state and federal programmes and policies are distributed to the intended recipients.
Rio urged a peaceful resolution to the internal disputes between the LBCA and WTBC in order for common sense to rule the community and for the good of the Lotha community.
Regarding the Lotha Hoho building, Rio stated that the Lotha Hoho had requested the construction of a new tribal council hall back in 2018 when he visited Wokha to attend the Tokhu Emong festival as a special guest. Rio then approached the GI and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the same, and today it has become a reality.
He expressed his gratitude to Lotha Hoho, led by Chairman Er. Mhondamo Ovung, and all those involved in the building’s successful completion for their excellent workmanship, and he congratulated the Lotha community on the new structure. He noted that this is a prime example of effective leadership being demonstrated to the populace.
The Chief Minister also thanked the Indian government and the ministry of tribal affairs for approving the funding for the building’s construction.
Yanthungo Patton, the program’s chief host, commended Neiphiu Rio, the chief minister of Nagaland, for showing a keen interest in starting construction on the new Lotha Hoho building during his speech. He also expressed his gratitude to the Lotha Hoho team and everyone involved for their sincerity and dedication in finishing the building.