State govt firmly opposes lifting of FMR: Rio
February 10, 2024
Nagaland chief minister has Neiphiu Rio reiterated the state government’s staunch opposition to the abrogation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border. This comes in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks on scrapping the FRM.
Interacting with the media on the sidelines of The White Owl Literature Festival & Book Fair launch at Zone Niathu by The Park at Chümoukedima on Friday, Rio he however admitted that people in border areas not following guidelines was making the North East a safe haven for insurgency and other activities. He also acknowledged Government of India’s concerns regarding security.
Rio disclosed that a cabinet meeting held on Thursday had decided that regulation would be made. After consultation, he said the state government would initiate whatever was necessary, but reiterated that the state government as well as the public did not agree with abrogation of FMR.
“We have heard the public’s voice and that is why the state government does not agree lifting the FMR and we are working on it,” he assured.
Rio on Yhome’s remark: Referring to a remark by School Education and SCERT adviser Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome that courted controversy when he said that Aos and Sumis would be excluded from primary teachers’ recruitment for the next 10 years, Rio said Yhome had spoken according to his findings, clarifying that the recruitment processes would strictly adhere to established regulations.
He dismissed Yhome’s remarks by assuring, “That is his way of saying. But it would not go that way”.
Student assault: Responding to queries on the assault of 19-year-old Moalong Jamir by Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad (AVTS) on January 29, he condemned all forms of violence, stressing that it should be condemned by everybody.
CBI raid: On the recent CBI raid at the office of the Agriculture department at Kohima (FOCUS-IFAD), Rio explained that the department was implicated in a case involving cash intercepted at Delhi airport. He confirmed that the matter was being investigated by the CBI, which led to the raid.
NLTP Act: Asked about the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, Rio emphasised the importance of public feedback, adding that the state government would consider public concerns before taking any move in this regard.
Govt to hold consultative meeting on FMR: Patton
Deputy chief minister Y Patton on Friday informed that the state government will be holding a consultative meeting with all civil society organisations in connection with the Centre’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime and to fence the Inda-Myanmar border.
Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of a programme at Chozuba, Patton said the decision was made during the cabinet meeting on February 8. He, however, did not mention the date and time for the meeting but informed that the meeting would be held soon.
Meanwhile, a communique from the Home department said that the Cabinet had decided to request the Central government to continue the FMR and also to enact appropriate regulations and lay down processes for movement of people across the borders in close consultation with the people inhabiting the border areas of the State. The cabinet further decided to request for suitably bringing in the village council authorities concerned in the entire system of regulations of the FMR. (Correspondent)