Kohima: Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar today appealed to the tribes of border districts to reconsider their demand for a separate state and join hands with the government's endeavour for inclusive growth and development in the state.
"Sadly, the demand for a separate statehood has come at a time when the Naga political issue is delicately poised. Therefore, it is my fervent appeal to these leaders to reconsider their stand and join hands with the state government in its endeavour to bring fruits of all round development to the less developed areas of the state," Kumar said in his Republic Day speech.
Six tribes, inhabiting the border districts of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng under the banner of Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) and other bodies had demanded creation of 'Frontier Nagaland' for socio-economic development of the region.
The governor also appealed to the people of the rest of the state to consider the grievances of the people of these districts in the right spirit and do all they can to improve the socio-economic conditions of those people even if it entails some sacrifices.
Stating that the Nagaland government had sincerely followed a policy of balanced regional development and affirmative action to bring the less developed areas at par with the rest of the state, he said the administration had worked to translate the policies into action.
However, he said, the government was aware that there were unmet aspirations among some people and there were gaps in development of some regions.
"The need of the hour is to stand united and not to allow fissiparous and divisive forces to come in the way of our journey towards peace and progress," Kumar said.
In the meanwhile, reports of peaceful celebration of Republic Day was received from various district headquarter towns with administrations stepping up vigils in the border areas with Assam, where ULFA and Karbi militants called for strikes during the day.