MEMBERS DEBATE ON MOTION OF THANKS TO THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS  

A number of members took part in the debate on motion of thanks to the Governor’s address on the third day of the first session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. MLA & Leader of NPF, Kuzholuzo Nienu who initiated discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's Address first congratulated Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer for assuming the office of the speaker for a second term and the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for assuming the office of the Chief Minister for a record fifth term. 

Participating on the discussion, he stated that NPF party would remain a strong opposition in the 14th NLA. However, the party will support and continue to work with the government for peace and development of the state, he asserted

He appealed to the legislators to judiciously use the allotted funds meant for development, and urged the Government of the day to come up with a "Vision Plan of 5 years"  with Government's  policies and programmes in it should be clearly highlighted. 

Nienu also stressed on the issues of ILP, RIIN and other Illegal Migrants, and expressed apprehension that the Nagas might be left to a minority one day owing to these, citing Tripura as an instance, if not addressed in time. He also mentioned that Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland are the breeding grounds of all illegal migrants. Therefore, he urged the Government to tackle it with prompt and effective mechanism, keeping in mind the menace of illegal migrants and its ramifications to our future generation. 

He also suggested that radical reformation in the Home Department is needed stating that Home Dept. is the key in the functioning of the Government. 

Achumbemo Kikon, MLA while participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address emphasised on the dire need to actively pursue an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution to the Naga Political issue and persist with the Central Government as an early solution was not just beneficial for the interests of the Naga People but also for the centre, as it would pave way for the development of the entire North Eastern Region. He also expressed his concerns on the upcoming ULB election and said that it would be wise to delay the ULB elections in the State until a clear consensus was reached with all the stakeholders and civil society organizations.

Bashangmongba Chang, Minister Housing and Mechanical also participated in the discussion and highlighted the socio economic progress of the state and the various developmental projects undertaken by the government.   

Minister, Roads & Bridges, G. Kaito Aye taking part in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address said that the house should jointly put an effort to give more concern towards the Naga political issue and to work together in facilitating and assisting the government in bringing solutions.

Aye also highlighted the issue of meat production in Nagaland and requested the concerned department to check the low production of meat in the State.

Aye said he is happy to learn about the efforts to fully establish the Medical College, Kohima which will begin its session from 2023-2024. Aye also said that the Medical College, Mon and Veterinary College at Jalukie should also be expedited at the earliest. He added that Khelhoshe Polytechnic, Atoizu which was declared as a full-fledged Engineering College should be expedited at the earliest. 

Imkong L Imchen, Advisor IPR and Soil & Water Conservation participating in his motion of thanks to the governor’s address hoped that as newly elected members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, service of the people will be enhanced to fulfill the people’s mandate.

On governor’s address regarding the Naga political issue, he opined that we should not be too critical, as all the 60 members are united as one in the issue. He said that the negotiations should not be one-way traffic, the approach should be rational and acceptable to both the negotiating parties and a spirit of accommodation should be there with flexible diplomacy. He lauded the Government of India as they are committed and sincere to solve the Naga issue he also added that rigidity will not bring any solution. 

Mentioning on the development works of the PWD (R&B) projects which are to be completed mentioned on the Governors address, he sought clarification on the new road projects which are to be implemented by the new government. 

He thanked the Governor for precisely mentioning about the foothill highway and was grateful the DPR for Phase I and II has been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, as the road project is economically, commercially and politically important for the state. 

On the Khelhoshe Polytechnic he appealed to the concerned department to expedite and make the institute a full-fledged engineering college.

On the ULB issue Imkong said that the necessary amendments in the Articles should be properly discussed in a consultative meeting so that the public would be cleared of all the confusions.

Taking part in the debate for motion of thanks to the Governor's address, Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan stated that the Government is committed to improvement of agriculture to enhance the economy of the State. He said that education boosts economic growth and improves the GDP. Yanthan added that the new Medical College coming up will fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the people. 

MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema participating in the motion of thanks to the governor’s address remarked that the initiatives of Agriculture Department for the innovative model of cluster agriculture development known as Naga Integrated Settled Farming which he said is an unprecedented achievement which needs appreciation and admiration. He also lauded the government for successfully exporting Naga King chilly (Naga mircha) in 2022 which has put Nagaland state in the world organic map.

He further hoped that the Medical College Kohima will be functional and operational during the academic year 2023-24 and to be followed by second Medical College at Mon.

(Nongozo, Wepre, Tiakumla, Avika & Morotsung)