Kohima: In response to Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) seeking clarification from the State Government on the Rs 300 Crore package, Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalthara said the special plan assistance package was neither in place of the demand for a separate state nor it was intended to soften ENPO stand on ‘Frontier Nagaland’.
In a statement, Mr Laltahra said ENPO memorandum dated November 25, 2011 and subsequent report of the High Power Committee on ENPO demand had sensitised both the state government and the Centre about the development deficit in eastern parts of the state, prompting both to come out with the special package under the State’s Annual Plan.
He clarified that during the discussion held between the CMand the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman on June 26, the former had requested the Deputy Chairman to provide plan fund for a Special Package for eastern Nagaland, comprising Mon, Tuensang, Longleng and Kiphire.
He said the Planning Commission had accordingly provided Rs 300 Crore Special Plan Assistance Package out of the additional Central resource to be provided by the Ministry of Finance, which would be utilised for priority identified projects to be approved by the Planning Commission.
It may be mentioned that ENPO in a representation yesterday had given the chief secretary ten days to clarify the issue. (UNI)
