Mokokchung, October 29 (MTNews): During the inauguration of Kezoma Urban Station under the Kohima district on Friday at Kezoma Stadium, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that the state has been lagging behind in all forms of development due to the “unresolved” Naga political issue.
According to East Mojo, Rio stated that if the Nagas can unite and resolve the Naga political issue, peace and development will follow, allowing the younger generation to live in harmony and prosperity.
The Nagas must unite and resolve the protracted issue to usher in a new dawn of progress, the chief minister said.
The chief minister also stated that if a solution to the Naga issue is reached around this time, the state elections may have to be postponed because seats in the Assembly and Parliament have to be increased, PTI reported.
However, the chief minister praised the continuation of political talks between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Working Committee of seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
Rio then congratulated the people of Kezoma, Kezobasa, Kezotown, and Sakhabama on achieving their long-awaited goal of recognizing Kezotown as Kezoma Urban Station and expressed happiness for their achievement.
He also announced that he had sanctioned money for the construction of an indoor stadium at the Station, which can also be used as a multi-purpose hall.
Rio stated that, according to the Nagaland 2011 Census, more than 50% of the population has shifted to urban areas and that, whether rural or urban, one must work hard for a living.
In terms of urban development, Rio stated that business or entrepreneurship plays an important role in growing the economy, and he encouraged the youth to get trained in such areas for economic growth and overall development.