Kohima, March 25: Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta today suggested resumption of the peace mission of 1964 in the state, saying the government could even make adequate budgetary provisions for “such noble ventures”.
“My government suggests that this mission should be revived to work towards engendering a favourable environment for negotiations,” the Governor said in his address to the Assembly.
The Peace Mission of 1964 comprised Michael Scott, Jayaprakash Narayan and B.P. Chaliha.
Apart from the Governor’s address, there were obituary references to P.E. Ezung, a member of the interim body of Nagaland, and L. Venuh and Suzumar Imsong, members of the first Assembly in 1964.
Today’s sitting was the second of the budget session. Former chief minister S.C. Jamir was conspicuous by his absence.
Datta called upon the NSCN (I-M) and the S.S. Khaplang-led faction of the outfit to “stop further fratricidal killings in deference to the wishes of the people of Nagaland”. He said the new government was committed to preserving the legacy of the Nagas and “safeguard their historical and political rights and honour”.
Datta said the government would try to involve all sections of the people in the process of finding a solution to the Naga political problem. He described the ceasefire agreements between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) and the NSCN (K) as facilitators of an era of optimism.
“However, devotion to the task of economic development, unhindered by any uncertainty over the settlement of the Naga political issue, is imperative to accelerate the process,” Datta said.
On the other priorities of the government, the Governor said the police force would be modernised to cope with the task of maintaining law and order. “Funds have been provided for the same by the 11th Finance Commission.”
Datta said healthcare would be given priority, too. The government has decided to set up mobile healthcare units in all the districts, he added.
Meghalaya mining
An Australian firm has been given the go-ahead to mine zinc from a zone near Sohryngkham in the East Khasi Hills district, reports our Shillong correspondent.
Though the name of the firm is not known yet, Geological Survey of India (GSI) sources said an understanding has been signed between “an Australian firm and the Meghalaya government, which will pave the way for exploration and payment of ‘some royalty’ to the state exchequer”.
GSI sources said the royalty would range from “20 to 25 paisa for every tonne of earth explored”. “There is no bar on foreign firms to explore for minerals,” said a functionary of the GSI Employees’ Association Northeast Region, Debashish Deb.
Many organisations have expressed strong opposition to the proposed move. A few of them have come together and are gathering information about the Sohryngkham project.
