By Achinta BorahKisama (Nagaland), Dec 8 (PTI) Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh today said the central government is committedto do its best to fulfil the aspirations of the Naga peoplefor a brighter tomorrow.
The minister did not elaborate further or mention theongoing peace talks between the Central government and theNSCN-IM leadership for a permanent solution to the insurgencyproblem.
"The central government, under the leadership of PrimeMinister Narenda Modi, is committed to do its best to fulfilthe aspirations of the Naga people for a brighter tomorrowwith all the honour which they richly deserve," Singh said atthe Hornbill festival here.
The home minister's comment at this Naga heritagevillage, about 12 km from the state capital Kohima, comes daysafter President Ram Nath Kovind said Nagaland was at thethreshold of making history as a final agreement on the Nagapolitical issue would soon be reached and lasting peaceachieved.
On September 19, Nagaland Governor P B Acharya said thevexed Naga issue would be solved within the next one or twomonths.
Expectations for lasting peace have gone up in Nagaland,which has been hit by decades of insurgency, after the Centreand the NSCN-IM signed a framework agreement in 2015.
Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang told the gatheringthat time was ripe to bring a permanent solution to theseven-decade Naga political issue.
The coming together of all Naga insurgent groups was alsoa good opportunity for a permanent solution, Zeliang said.
Addressing the Naga people at the annual tourismfestival, the home minister said the Central government is inthe process of finalising a revamped free movement regime onthe India-Myanmar border to ensure that people living inborder areas face no hardships.
"While doing so, steps are also being taken to promoteborder trade by establishing land custom stations. This wouldalso ensure that illicit trafficking and other illegalactivities are curbed at the border," he said.
Nagaland shares a border with Myanmar.
Under the free movement regime, people living along theborder of India and Myanmar are allowed to visit each other'splaces without any travel document.
Singh said Nagaland has the opportunity to leadNortheastern states to the path of peace, stability,prosperity and growth. He expressed the hope for a peaceful,vibrant, colourful and energetic Nagaland that is an examplefor other states to emulate.
The home minister added that Nagaland should look aheadto the future.
"Nagaland, with its rich natural resources and talentedpeople, has limitless possibilities. Ensuring peace can helprealise the immense potential for economic gains, jobs andprosperity," he said.
Stressing that tourism can be a major driver for growth,Singh also focused on the need for infrastructure developmentas the key for Nagaland to catch up with other states in termsof economic development.
Overall connectivity can create opportunities forentrepreneurs and businesses and also make Nagaland thegateway to South East Asia, the minister said. PTI ACBMIN.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.