KISAMA, NAGALAND, Dec 1: Peace and security have to be maintained to facilitate inclusive and sustainable growth and to ensure equitable sharing of development benefits, President Pranab Mukherjee said here today.
The Central government was determined and duty bound to ensure equal rights and opportunities for every Naga, he said at the golden jubilee celebration of Nagaland statehood here.
The Centre, with the help of interlocutors, is trying to find solution to Nagaland’s vexed insurgency problem.
National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN (IM) led by chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah had entered into truce with the Government of India in 1997 to solve insurgency issue affecting the state.
Over 80 rounds of talks were held since then between the Centre and the NSCN led by Swu and Muivah without concrete outcome in the last 16 years of truce.
“It is impossible to achieve development in the absence of peace and security. I urge all concerned to work towards establishing and maintaining a peaceful environment in the state so that the dreams of the youth can be realised in the shortest possible time,” he said.
The President said his frequent visits to north eastern states reflect their strategic importance.
“In the 16 months since I assumed office, I have visited Assam thrice, Nagaland twice, Sikkim twice and Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. Only Mizoram remains and I look forward to an early occasion to visit the state soon,” the President said.
The President said North East of India, which shares borders with five nations–China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal–act as a natural bridge between the country and South East Asia.
Citing India’s ‘Look East’ foreign policy, the President said that India must find its destiny by linking itself more and more with its Asian partners and the rest of the world.
“India’s future and economic interests are best served by closer integration with rest of Asia.
“The states of the north east should lead in making our neighbours partners in our development and harnessing the opportunities that are emerging from the rise of Asia and India’s growing economic integration with the region,” he said.
He called for fast efforts to ensure rail, road and air connectivity to this north eastern state.
“The Centre and state governments should work together to rapidly build connectivity and infrastructure linkages with the rest of India as well as to our neighbours,” he said.
Mukherjee said India’s economy will continue to witness rapid growth and the country will soon emerge as a strong and powerful nation.
“India is making determined progress in every field of activity – be it business, industry, trade, education or culture. A billion people are marching forward led by the ideas, enterprise and energy of its predominantly young population.
“I am confident that India will soon emerge as a strong and powerful nation, our economy will continue to witness rapid growth and people will enjoy a high quality of life as well as freedom, justice and equality,” he said.
Mukherjee while noting progress made by Nagaland in past years emphasised upon creating more job opportunities for the youths of the state.
“Nagaland has come a long way since attaining statehood. Its achievements in human development and industrial growth are noteworthy. Yet, the expectations of the people from economic development are high.
There is need for infrastructure and connectivity. Youth must get jobs. There should be visible improvement in the quality of life. Development should be inclusive, equitable and sustainable,” Mukherjee said.
Nagaland had attained statehood on December 1, 1963.
The President said that the world is undergoing rapid change and unprecedented opportunities exist for the people of Nagaland and whole of India in these changing times.
“Education and infrastructure are the keys which will enable the people of Nagaland seize these opportunities.
Raising Nagaland to the ranks of leading states in the country is a goal which can be achieved if there is vision, leadership and hard work.
“The Central and state governments must join hands in a collective endeavour supported by all the people of the state and dedicate themselves to the attainment of this goal,” he said.
Mukherjee, who arrived here yesterday to inaugurate state’s golden jubilee celebration and famous Hornbill festival, said the north east region can become a magnet for major investments from the rest of the country and abroad.
My frequent visits to this region reflect its strategic importance and the role it can play in the building of a strong and powerful India, he said.
“Considering the quality of its human resources and its natural resources, the North East of India has tremendous potential to achieve rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth.
“This region can become a magnet for major investments from the rest of the country as well as abroad.
“It can turn itself into a major centre for trade and business,” the President said.
North East region constitutes one of India’s most important opportunities of the future and it must be given the utmost importance and attention by our political leaders, policy makers and administrators, he added.
Nagaland, which shares its border with Myanmar besides three north eastern states– Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, must find its due place in the country, said Mukherjee.
He said it was heartening to know that many youths from the region were being engaged in hospitality and information technology sectors and working in different parts of the country.
“I call upon the youth of Nagaland to join hands with the young in the rest of our country and together forge the future of our nation,” the President said.
Let Nagaland lead the way in the building a new future for India. Let it set an example to the rest of India and show how the entire region can be transformed into a area of peace, stability and prosperity, Mukherjee concluded the function.
He also released a commemorative stamp of Nagaland.
A first copy of coffee table book on Nagaland was also presented to the President by state governor Ashwani Kumar.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who was also present during the function, hoped early solution to vexed insurgency problem and other issues. (PTI)
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