Morung Express News
Kohima | February 11
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that no assurance has been given regarding the removal of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the State.
However, he informed that the matter is being actively pursued with the Union Government. Rio was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a ‘grand reception’ organised by the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Central Headquarters, Kohima, following his return from New Delhi.
Responding to queries, the Chief Minister said he had been asked to submit a report along with officials and subsequently met the Union Home Minister as well as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to discuss the issue.
“No assurance was given, but I was asked to take a report along with the officials. So, I met the Home Minister and the Director of the IB also. And I’m pursuing it,” he said.
On the ongoing Naga political talks and whether A K Mishra has been replaced, Rio clarified that Mishra continues to serve as Advisor for the North East and is also participating in the Naga peace process.
“We are not against him. He will do his own duty. But the Naga issue is a political issue. So, as the resolution has been taken, we want the talk to be at the political level,” he stated.
Earlier, addressing party members at the reception, the Chief Minister elaborated on the discussions held with central leadership regarding PAP, the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing.
Rio said he conveyed to the Union Home Minister that Nagaland should not be placed in the same category as other conflict-affected states and reiterated the State Government’s willingness to maintain proper records and ensure security if PAP is lifted. He maintained that lifting PAP would not pose a law and order issue and that the State is prepared to take responsibility.
On FMR and the proposed fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, Rio highlighted the realities of border communities, stating that families, farmlands and traditional movement span both sides of the international boundary. He said people cross for cultivation, trade, medical needs and social functions, and that such realities must be considered before imposing restrictions. According to him, the Union Home Minister indicated that the concerns would be examined further.
The Chief Minister also referred to the issue surrounding the proposed visit of evangelist Franklin Graham to Nagaland in Novembers last year. He said local preparations had been made and permission was granted with conditions.
However, the visit did not materialise as the invitee did not agree to certain conditions imposed by the Home Ministry, including restrictions on route plans, filming and involvement in political or religious activities.
Rio said the matter had been discussed with the Centre and that there was no need to prolong the issue, though he acknowledged that the cancellation had disappointed sections of the Christian community.
Reiterating that dialogue with the Centre remains ongoing, Rio said the State Government would continue to pursue concerns relating to PAP, FMR and other matters in the interest of Nagaland
Regarding the Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) interim government, the Chief Minister informed that the matter would be taken up during the upcoming Budget session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 2.
