DIMAPUR, Feb 7 NNN: “Now we have the opportunity for the permanent resolution to the long standing Naga political problem, which is honourable and acceptable. We will finalise the agreement as soon as possible.”
This was the comment of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi during her election campaign rallies in Nagaland today.
Sonia Gandhi first flew in to Mokokchung in the morning, addressed a mommmoth rally there and reached the Nagaland commercial hub Dimapur at around 2:30 pm and addressed another mammoth gathering asking the “my dear brothers and sisters of Nagaland” to teach a lesson to the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government.
The AICC president said the Congress party is the only party that understands the “special circumstances prevail in Nagaland”. She said the Congress party was the one that had introduced the Article 371 which protects the Naga identity, culture, tradition and practices. Sonia Gandhi also said that the Congress party was the one that had first invited the NSCN-IM for talks. “And the talks are continuing till today,” she added.
Meanwhile, accusing the NPF led Nagaland government of corrupt filled, Sonia Gandhi said the people of Nagaland has been “less fortunate” to have the DAN government in the last ten years. “I hope the people of Nagaland are now ready for a change,” the UPA government expressed, adding, “Now is the time for the people of Nagaland to bring true development,” Sonia Gandhi said. She then terms the ten years NPF-led DAN government as “dark period” of Nagaland. “The UPA government has been pouring in huge amount of money for health care, agriculture, electricity, tourism etc., etc., but where have the money gone?” the UPA chairperson questions. She said the DAN government did not use the money for the betterment of Nagaland. “You must ask the Rs 89 crores for tourism. Where is that money? What had happened to the Rs 200 something crores meant for rural electrification? They have all gone to the pockets of individuals. These are just few examples,” Sonia Gandhi revealed. She also said the young people too are fed up with these corruptions.
Sonia Gandhi then said special packages for development will be given to the area of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). “ENPO area will receive special packages,” said Sonia Gandhi. She continues to assure that the Congress government will immediately take up roads, rural development and unemployment. She then said, “We have always stood for stability. My dear brothers and sisters of Nagaland, make a wise choice when you go to vote on February 23.” Gandhi said the Congress party was unwavering in solving the Naga problem and was conscious of the circumstances prevailing in Nagaland.
She said the Congress Government would preserve the Naga identity which has been enshrined in Article 371 of the Constitution that protects the Naga tradition, land and resources, she said.
Referring to the election manifesto of NPCC, the Congress president said the party will implement what it has promised to the people.
Today’s election campaign rally was attended by Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki, AICC secretary in-charge of North East Luizinho Faleiro, former Union minister for Information and Broadcasting Soni Ambika, former Nagaland chief minister KL Chisi, NPCC president S.I. Jamir and other local Congress leaders.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/permanent-solution-to-naga-problem-soon-sonia-gandhi/
