Home Ministry Team in Nagaland, holds talks with ENPO

The central committee is on a three-day visit to study the demand of the ENPO for a separate statehood

A three-member committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) arrived in Tuensang district this afternoon and held its first meeting with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), ENPO Talk Team and Memorandum Signatories.

The central committee is on a three-day visit to study the demand of the ENPO for a separate statehood. The team is headed by the adviser (North East) A.K. Mishra who is also the peace interlocutor, along with two members – Dr Mandeep Singh, Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau and A.K. Dhayani, Director, (North East Division, MHA)

Well-informed sources said that today’s meeting was “fruitful” and “cordial” and ENPO not only spoke on the development aspect but other issues of National importance as well.

“We are right in the international border and it is more or less neglected, we should be a grave danger for the country as a whole because we are surrendered by some unfriendly countries also. Their activities across the border could be a signal,” the source stated.

It also said that infrastructurally, and economically, all spheres of development should take place in the Eastern region and also the trade commerce since the region is in a strategic location.

The source maintained that the Government must give attention because later the blame cannot be on the eastern people alone but also on the Government of India.

Further, it said that according to the explanations of the three-member team, the GoI is fully aware of the deficiency of the Eastern area and they are looking into it seriously.

During their three-day stay, the committee members would meet ENPO leaders, state government officials, seven Eastern tribal bodies, Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation, Eastern Nagaland Students Federation, village chiefs and senior citizens.

The committee is also scheduled to visit the International Trade Centre, Dan, Pangsha, in Noklak district of eastern Nagaland bordering Myanmar on December 18 morning, thereafter they will come to Kohima and hold talks with the State machineries led by Nagaland Chief Secretary.

The ENPO has also called an urgent meeting of the central executive committee on December 19 after the MHA team’s visit.

The ENPO earlier in a statement stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted a clear road map for an amicable, legislative and sustainable solution to their demand which also includes consultation with the people of eastern Nagaland and the state government.

A delegation of ENPO met the Home Minister in New Delhi earlier this month and Shah told them that he is likely to visit Eastern Nagaland for two days by January next year.

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