Kohima, November 6 (MExN): Issues pertaining to Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, petroleum and natural gas in relation to Article 371(A), rules of executive business and Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ) were discussed at the consultative meeting held here today at the Capital Convention Centre.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio termed the meeting historic, and felt that it was important to understand the genesis and actual position that Nagas are facing today. Reminding that the 16 Point Agreement was the outcome of Naga Peoples Convention (NPC), Rio felt necessary for such Consultative meet when the agreement of the NPC is in question by the Government of India.
“Nagas are further divided today and that is why even what has been agreed is questioned,” Rio said. Stating that Government of India was trying to put pressure to take away the rights of the Nagas, Rio appealed to the people of Nagaland to be united. With regard to Article 371 (A), Rio said, “We are within the Constitution but the Government of India has become unconstitutional.” He further reminded that others will take advantage if we do not implement and go forward with the framed rules passed in the assembly. “We respect Government of India when we exploit, when we produce, pricing etc but cannot agree to share ownership of our land and resources,” Rio mentioned. On rules of executive business relating to promotion, appointment and transfers and posting, Rio said that “we are not against anybody but it is our duty to fight for the right of the Nagas and the state.”
Minister for planning and co-ordination, evaluation, geology and mining T.R. Zeliang elaborated the latest position of petroleum and natural gas in relation to Article 371 (A), highlighting the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India, letters to the Chief Minister from the minister, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, letters to the Chief Secretary Nagaland from the Director, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, Assembly resolution 2010, Consultative meeting resolution held on July 12, 2013. He said that as far as petroleum and natural gas is concerned, the state government has decided to “go ahead.” He felt that the government of the day and the people of Nagaland should speak in one voice to uphold Article 371 (A).
High Court Bar Association president Timikha Koza, in his presentation on Article 371(A) and its interpretation, reaffirmed that the Bar has resolved to resolutely defend the rights guaranteed under Article 371(A) and invited all civil societies, NGOs and public in general to come forward to take a united stand in defending the special provision. Koza pointed out that the issues of 16 Point Agreement and Article 371(A) of the Constitution are being discussed after 50 years of Statehood in an open public forum without any hesitation. He said that it is “painful” to observe “what the Government of India has given to the Nagas as a special provision by the right hand was trying to take back with its left hand one by one.” Towards this, he cited examples of (i) Transfer of the State of Nagaland from External Affairs Ministry to Home Ministry (ii) Removal of Nagaland from special funding pattern in 1989 and (iii) now trying to interfere in the ownership of land and its resources. Koza called upon the civil societies, NGOs, Naga public and the Government of Nagaland to make a concerted effort to demand from the Government of India to restore the State of Nagaland to the original status which was “unilaterally and arbitrarily” withdrawn by the Government of India.
Additional Chief Secretary, P&AR, C.J. Ponraj highlighted the various aspects of Rules of Executive Business and pointed out Article 74 and 166 which explains the provisions of Government of India and State Government to run the affairs of day to day business. He also explained Rules 34(i) and Rule 34(ii) which deals with the lists to be referred to the Chief Secretary and to the Governor. Justice & Law secretary K.N. Chishi also highlighted on the provision and rights of Article 371(A) and the formation of Nagaland state. Representative from tribal hohos, civil societies and politicians of different political parties participated in the discussion. Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir chaired the consultative meet.
(With inputs from DIPR)
~MExN
No comments:
Post a Comment