Kohima: The ongoing Naga peace process is the
best option available to end the protracted political conflict in the state, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said.
"Nagas Wednesday realised that the present opportunity should
be used best to meet their aspirations," Rio said, delivering
a talk on `Governance and Conflict: the Naga context` at
Queen`s University, Belfast yesterday.
Highlighting the history of the Naga political movement
since the British raj, he said following the ceasefire, peace
process and reconciliation among the warring Naga groups, the
state witnessed a positive change.
He said since governance in conflict areas demanded
special approaches, the state government adopted involvement and empowerment of village communities through village development board and policy of communitisation.
"The Nagas placed great faith in the Government of India
for a political resolution of the protracted conflict that
would not only strengthen the foundations of Indian democracy
but also enhance India`s image as the world`s largest
democracy," the chief minister said in his speech, which was
released to the press here by the CMO.
Recalling India`s diverse cultural heritage spanning
thousands of years, Rio invited the international community to
visit the country, especially Nagaland - the `Land of
Festivals.`
Earlier, Rio was introduced to the audience by Lord D
Rana, member of the House of Lords to an audience that
included politicians from North Ireland, academicians,
university students, businessmen and media persons.
PTI
