KOHIMA: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has revealed that the state government had given green signal to the Union Government for allowing the collective leadership of the NSCN (I-M) to visit Zunheboto.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Rio expressed regret, saying it might not help the ongoing peace process if the Centre maintained the same attitude.
“The ongoing ceasefire and dialogue is between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) and we don’t know what is going on and the extent of confidence and respect they have for each other,” he added.
The Chief Minister said, “When the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought the views of the state government over the collective leadership’s proposed visit to Zunheboto earlier, the state government after consultation with Sumi Hoho and the assurance from other Naga underground groups that they will not disturb the proposed visit, had given the clearance to MHA.”
Mr Rio said he was not questioning the wisdom of the MHA but termed the turn of events “unfortunate”.
He felt that once the state government had given the clearance after a thorough study, the Centre should have allowed NSCN (I-M) leaders to visit Zunheboto. Mr Rio said the Centre should understand and trust the Nagas and also know the history of the Nagas since the 16-point agreement’s clause 13, Integration of Naga inhabited areas, the then Naga People Convention (NPC) had clearly stated the desires of Nagas to live under one administrative umbrella.”
“This is the birthright of Nagas. Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed four resolutions unanimously for the integration of Naga inhabited areas. Moreover, the Article 3 and 4 of the Indian Constitution clearly gives provision for redrawing of state boundaries,” he added. (UNI)