Kohima, Dec 30 (NET): Demand for a unified Naga political set up gaining impetus, hints of early settlement of the Naga conflict and the unearthing of major irregularities regarding the appointments in the Public Service Commission and School Education Department stands as the high points in Nagaland during the year 2005.
The year 2005 took off on an optimistic note with the Naga peace process getting a boost up after the top NSCN (I-M) leaders arrived in Delhi to participate in the discussions with the Centre to find a mutually accepted solution to the protracted Naga political problem.
The peace process, at the end of the year, received a jolt when NSCN (I-M) threatened to opt out from peace process if the conflict is not resolved within the current spell of the cease-fire, which expires in January.
Reports of intermitted armed clashes among rival underground groups, killings, kidnappings and extortions were received from various parts of the state during the year.
The year 2005 also saw a bitter rivalry between the two tribes in the border district of Tuensang cropping up out of the long-drawn-out land ownership disputes. The rivalry erupted again in April after rival underground groups were found involved in the dispute.
But the government brought the situation under control and engaged tribal councils to sort out their differences.
The ruling alliance also received a major setback when chief minister Neiphiu Rio sacked his once close confidante and Finance Minister K. Therie for his alleged anti-party activity.
Whereas, on the other hand, Congress continued to corner the government on utilization of Rs. 365 Crore special Central grant and rejected the official white paper on the same.
With pressure mounted by students’ bodies and opposition Congress, the DAN government constituted special investigation teams (SIT) which exposed major irregularities in appointments in Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) and school education department.
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