Cong manifesto vows for peace, development in Nagaland

Nagaland Pradesh Congress on Friday committed to work for permanent peace and development in the state vowing to act as a bridge between the Centre and underground groups to find a lasting settlement to protracted Naga political conflict.

In its election manifesto, released by AICC election observer and former Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla, the party described the poll promises as a vision document for the Naga people in the next five years.

If voted to power, the party would act as a facilitator and bridge between the underground groups and the Centre so that both sides could bring about a political settlement acceptable and honourable to all sections.

On the contentious issue of integration of Naga inhabited areas, the Congress manifesto reiterated that it would continue its demand for full implementation of the 16-point agreement of 1960 in letter and spirit.

This agreement, which facilitated formation of Nagaland state in 1963 after a decade-long violence, mentioned about integration of contiguous Naga areas of the region, but this clause remained unimplemented. Nagaland Assembly had already passed resolution four times favouring the integration.

CLP leader I Imkong told party candidates and workers that bloodshed continued in Nagaland because the Centre and underground Groups had taken so far two extreme positions on the question of political settlement.

But someone has to act as a bridge between these extreme positions with consistency.... Congress promises to fill up that gap between two sides, Imkong explained.