Participation of all ultra groups must: Congress

KOHIMA, Feb 18 — Congress has asserted that participation of all underground groups and segments of society is “absolutely imperative and indispensable” to find a durable solution to vexed Naga political problem, reports PTI. In a resolution adopted at Nagaland PCC general body meeting here Saturday, the party said it had from the very beginning recognised the Naga issue as a political problem which could be resolved only through political process. It welcomed the “genuine efforts” by respective parties involved to find an honourable settlement to the protracted problem and insisted that involvement of all segments of Naga society in the on-going peace process was “absolutely imperative and indispensable.” It also called upon the warring factions to declare cease-fire among themselves as the first step for evolving a consensus and effectively carrying forward the on-going political process, the resolution, a copy of which was distributed to the press Sunday said. The meeting, presided over by NPCC president and Chief Minister S C Jamir, asserted that the process of Naga reconciliation already set in motion should become a reality in the true sense of the term in a spirit of forget and forgive. “The Congress party welcomes and supports all moves towards genuine reconciliation so as to make a fresh beginning in the best interests of Naga society,” it added. The Nagaland PCC general body recorded deep appreciation towards “good governance” by the Congress government in the sate despite severe financial constraints. It claimed, the S C Jamir government was able to fulfil the guideliness for fiscal reforms laid down by the Centre and on account of its efficient financial management, RBI had categorised Nagaland as a grade-A state in terms of fiscal management. The government had also been able to incorporate accountability and transparency in administration, besides its efforts to provide good governance, it said. It sounded a note of caution to those who “directly or indirectly” connived or collaborated with other political parties to weaken the Congress in Nagaland. Referring to the Assembly elections due early next year, the resolution said the situation and the mood of the people is “most favourable” for Congress. “We are confident and certain that the people will continue to repose their trust in us and the next government will again be formed by Congress.” The Congress government completes four years in office in March and the Assembly elections in the state are due in February. In the last general elections, no political parties except Congress participated in the polls following a boycott call by NGOs.