Kohima, March 23: From being an “active facilitator”, the Neiphiu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government has turned into a “constructive facilitator” in the Naga peace process.

The new catchphrase — and new garb — of the DAN government was unveiled by Governor Nikhil Kumar on the first day of the Assembly session today.

From 2003 to 2008, the Congress-led state government had adopted a stand of “equi-closeness” to all militant groups.

The Rio government turned an “active facilitator”, a slogan, which generated criticism from the Opposition for what they claimed wrong handling of issues confronting the Naga political problem.

“My government has been playing the role of constructive facilitator in the ongoing political talks between the Centre and the NSCN,” Kumar said.

He said realising the importance of peaceful and conflict-free environment to fulfil the development of of the state, the government has accorded utmost priority to it by playing the role of constructive facilitator.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment and determination to hammer out an honourable solution to the long-drawn Naga political problem with the Centre.

Kumar said it was encouraging to know that various efforts taken by the government with the help of the civil societies, church and NGOs have yielded positive results to reduce the level of hostilities among the Naga factions.

The governor said in order to monitor implementation of the ceasefire ground rules, a standard operating procedure has been put in place by the Centre through which the security forces and the state administration could work hand-in-hand to achieve the objective with minimal use of force.

“The state-level strategy group and district-level co-ordination committees have also been constituted to strengthen the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and to defuse situations, which are likely to jeopardise public tranquillity and peace,” he added.

Kumar also lauded the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and other organisations for their contributions to the peace process and for working with the government to maintain peaceful atmosphere in the state.

The governor appreciated the role played by the security forces, paramilitary forces and state police for maintaining law and order and the climate of peace and harmony.