Kohima: Nagaland Minister for Soil and Water Conservation and Land Resources Development P Longon has said the state government had recognised the lack of developmental activities in various sectors of eastern Nagaland and taking up steps for faster development.
Speaking as the chief guest at the General Session of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) at the Tuensang Town Hall, the district headquarters on Friday, Mr Longon said the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government had deliberated on lack of development activities in the area and recommended granting of autonomous council status in response to the demand for statehood by ENPO.
However, he said the people of eastern Nagaland rejected it and added, ”Statehood demand is a political movement and that the state government has no power to either give or declare the statehood but to assist in some possible ways.”
Speaking as the guest of honour on the occasion, Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development and Rural Employment and Poverty Alleviation Pangnyu Phom said the Union Government had recognised the ENPO and urged the people to appreciate the ENPO leaders for their tireless works in various fields.
He said ENPO-leaders should be free from political parties and should remain neutral. ENPO Vice-President Chingmak welcomed the guests, while vote of thanks was proposed by ENPO vice-president Yonglong. (UNI)
