Dimapur : In a recent media interaction at the silver jubilee program of Western Phekmi Welfare Union in Bade Village, Dimapur, MLA and Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, shared insights on various pertinent issues concerning the state of Nagaland.
When questioned about the demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), Nienu emphasized the sensitivity of the issue and refrained from making any direct comments. He reiterated the stance of both the Government of India and the State Government, highlighting their clear assertions that the creation of a separate state as FNT is not feasible. “What they’re asking is up to them. We wish them the best,” he added.
On the topic of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) and its potential impact on the larger Naga political issue, Nienu suggested that the resolution of regional demands like those of ENPO could potentially quell the broader Naga political struggle. He referenced statements made by ENPO officials, indicating their reluctance to separate from the state to ensure the continuity of the Naga political issue. “Once we separate, Naga’s political issue will die. And so, I think, they also know that. And I think in one of the press statements, the president(of ENPO) stated that they’ll not separate from the state because they don’t want the Naga political issue to die,” he said.
Regarding the recent decision of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) to support the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) candidate Chumbem Murry, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Nienu expressed his contentment with the alliance. He cited the necessity to align with the majority within the PDA government, underscoring the pragmatic approach adopted by the NPF.
In response to queries concerning the long-pending Foothills Road project, Nienu acknowledged the government’s renewed commitment to its completion. He revealed the allocation of funds amounting to 145 crores for the project, acknowledging that it falls short of the required investment. Nienu speculated that the project would require several thousand crores to cover its entirety and suggested that additional funding might be sourced from the North Eastern Council (NEC).
When pressed about the apparent delay in the project’s execution despite the sudden availability of funds, Nienu, who served as the Roads and Bridges Minister during the project’s initiation, distanced himself from the government’s recent decisions, citing his absence from the government for nearly seven years.
Overall, Nienu’s remarks shed light on key issues concerning Nagaland, emphasizing the complexities surrounding regional demands, political alliances, and infrastructural development initiatives.
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