For many people it is a surprise to note the ENPO’s move for statehood. The immediate reaction to this social upsurge maybe summed up as below:-
1 From the formation of the state of Nagaland the public and the leaders of the aforesaid districts have been equal partners in the policy making of the state. The twenty member legislators representing the districts are equally responsible leaders for the development of the state of Nagaland. The leaders know what is what? Sometimes political tilts as a matter of parties will never guarantee us to have equal representations in all ministry formations of the state. Even for that matter we have many veteran Naga political leaders from those districts. So giving explanations may not be proper here.
2 In any positive move of our people, it must be initiated with clear understanding among the leaders of the state and convince the government of India to examine the proposal. However it maybe stated here that even when the state of Nagaland was formed during early 1960’s it was Jawahar Lal Nehru a stalwart personality of the House whose political sagacity prevailed over the objections of Mps like Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creating the state of Nagaland the population of which was then less than the one of a district in other parts of the country. That way it could be a tough move for the Nagas to have another state.
3 We understand that the district and the Village Development funds are being distributed as per Government norms. In addition to those normal funds we have some financial packages for backward areas development. If funds are being used properly there can be no question of dissatisfaction. But it is always up to the leadership of the areas concerned to implement them for specific development purposes.
4 As for general development of the state even with our limited understanding we can foresee that in decades to come Nagaland will have more developments in various fields .Because we have not harnessed our natural resources properly. We still look forward for application of modern technologies in our land resources. We may have to go forward to reap the benefits of development one after another. We may not have enough baskets to hold the benefits of our resources from industries, Human resource developments, Agri sectors, Power sectors, Water resources, Health care etc. Nagaland can be transformed into a beautiful land with a lot of new technological applications. We only need to prepare ourselves as responsible citizens and not confining to our world of limitations.
5 Above all Nagaland requires breakthrough in road connectivity not only linking them to our district headquarters but to all sectors of the state and eastern parts of Nagaland. From general point of view we need three pronged road development links with the other side of Naga areas in Myanmar: 1) via Kiphire 2) via Tuensang and Noklak sector 3) via Mon districts. For such big development projects, we may expect the state Government to initiate for involvement of both the Governments of India and Myanmar. The Naga areas should have the touch of modern civilization with road connectivity as early as possible. Hopefully the government of India look east policy will go beyond Dimapur and reach eastern parts of Nagaland with road developments.
6 Lastly if the Nagas could have more states that will certainly benefit our people. But Nagas must not do anything in random like the Britishers who in the past divided us into various administrative units. If we are to make the quiz works who knows if Naga integration is not possible Nagas may be compelled to have more states. So let us watch and see.
1 From the formation of the state of Nagaland the public and the leaders of the aforesaid districts have been equal partners in the policy making of the state. The twenty member legislators representing the districts are equally responsible leaders for the development of the state of Nagaland. The leaders know what is what? Sometimes political tilts as a matter of parties will never guarantee us to have equal representations in all ministry formations of the state. Even for that matter we have many veteran Naga political leaders from those districts. So giving explanations may not be proper here.
2 In any positive move of our people, it must be initiated with clear understanding among the leaders of the state and convince the government of India to examine the proposal. However it maybe stated here that even when the state of Nagaland was formed during early 1960’s it was Jawahar Lal Nehru a stalwart personality of the House whose political sagacity prevailed over the objections of Mps like Atal Bihari Vajpayee for creating the state of Nagaland the population of which was then less than the one of a district in other parts of the country. That way it could be a tough move for the Nagas to have another state.
3 We understand that the district and the Village Development funds are being distributed as per Government norms. In addition to those normal funds we have some financial packages for backward areas development. If funds are being used properly there can be no question of dissatisfaction. But it is always up to the leadership of the areas concerned to implement them for specific development purposes.
4 As for general development of the state even with our limited understanding we can foresee that in decades to come Nagaland will have more developments in various fields .Because we have not harnessed our natural resources properly. We still look forward for application of modern technologies in our land resources. We may have to go forward to reap the benefits of development one after another. We may not have enough baskets to hold the benefits of our resources from industries, Human resource developments, Agri sectors, Power sectors, Water resources, Health care etc. Nagaland can be transformed into a beautiful land with a lot of new technological applications. We only need to prepare ourselves as responsible citizens and not confining to our world of limitations.
5 Above all Nagaland requires breakthrough in road connectivity not only linking them to our district headquarters but to all sectors of the state and eastern parts of Nagaland. From general point of view we need three pronged road development links with the other side of Naga areas in Myanmar: 1) via Kiphire 2) via Tuensang and Noklak sector 3) via Mon districts. For such big development projects, we may expect the state Government to initiate for involvement of both the Governments of India and Myanmar. The Naga areas should have the touch of modern civilization with road connectivity as early as possible. Hopefully the government of India look east policy will go beyond Dimapur and reach eastern parts of Nagaland with road developments.
6 Lastly if the Nagas could have more states that will certainly benefit our people. But Nagas must not do anything in random like the Britishers who in the past divided us into various administrative units. If we are to make the quiz works who knows if Naga integration is not possible Nagas may be compelled to have more states. So let us watch and see.
Dr. Piketo Achumi, Rtd. Director
Asian college, Sovima, Dimapur
