MOKOKCHUNG, July 6: The grand old man of Naga politics and Governor-designate of Goa SC Jamir said that with his new assignment he would be in a position to observe the developments of the ongoing Naga political process in an unbiased and neutral perspective. Jamir would leave for New Delhi tomorrow to meet the Prime Minister and other central leaders. He has called the Chief Secretary of Goa to New Delhi to dicuss on the finalization of the day of his swearing-in as the Governor of Goa.
Yesterday, he was felicitated in Kohima for his being appointed as the Goa Governor by the President of India in a meeting attended by the Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio, Nagaland Governor Shyamal Dutta and a galaxy of distinguished persons. A dinner is being hosted today at the Diphupar, Dimapur residence of Nagaland leader of Opposition I Imkong to felicitate Sri Jamir.
Talking to this correspondent here in his residence, Jamir said though he would be in the extreme west of the country, he would be able to observe the Naga peace and political process from an unbiased and neutral angle and pass on his observations to the parties concerned. Asked why he chose Goa out of the four States, he said he has had ?enough of bullet-proof jackets and cars?.
?The last time I visited Goa was in 1969 as Union Labour Minister,? he said adding that he chose Goa because of the beauty of the place and peaceful environment.
?Forty-years in politics is a long time and I need some rest,? the 74-year-old politician said. Ever since he was elected as Joint Secretary of the Naga People?s Convention in 1958, he has been in the centresstage of politics in Nagaland.
He expressed his gratitude to Congress and UPA chief Sonia Gandhi amd the Prime Minister for entrusting him with such a gubernatorial post.
?I take this as a rare privilege to serve the people of a State in the extreme west as I am going from the extreme east,? he said. Asked if his departure from the State would have any effects on the Naga peace talks he replied in the negative, saying that he would always extend all possible help. He also expressed pessimism that the Naga political problem would be settled in a hurry. Asked if his son Apok Jamir, former MP, would represent the Aonglenden Assembly constituency after he vacates it, Jamir replied it all depends on the collective wisdom of the party. ?Since he is in politics, he should continue in politics because politics is a continuous process,? Jamir said.
Asked if his departure from State politics would adversely affect the Congress party in the State, he said collective leadership has to be developed to steer the ship of the party in the State. He appreciated the younger generation of leaders of the party saying ?they are intelligent and sincere with broader outlook?. ?I am also quite satisfied with the performance of the younger legislators on the floor of the Assembly,? he said. Jamir is likely to be sworn in as Goa on July 14 or 15.