After the scrapping of Article 370 and 35(A) in Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland BJP president Temjen Imna Along Longkumer on Tuesday assured the state assembly that if any such attempt is made for Nagaland, it will stand strongly to protect the unique Naga history.
While saying that Nagaland BJP supports the Centre’s of scrapping of Article 370 and 35(A) in Jammu & Kashmir, Longkumer clarified, "But we as BJP Nagaland... will stand very strongly if there is any attempt towards Nagaland in its way; to also share our doubts, fears, grievances and apprehensions and let it be known to the leaders in Delhi. And I believe that they will listen and respect our unique history.”
The state BJP president was addressing the Nagaland Legislative Assembly during the ongoing session about Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Earlier, MLA Chotisuh Sazo raised discussion on matters of urgent public importance pertaining to RIIN and ILP. He said that Article 371(A), ILP and Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations (BEFR), 1873 give protection to Nagas but there is a threat to the state if the Centre implements "one nation one law; one nation one religion; or one nation one culture". Sazo said this citing reference to the special provisions of J&K in regard to Article 370 and Article 35(A) that was revoked by the Centre on Monday.
The discussions on RIIN and ILP will, however, continue in the Assembly on Thursday after a recess on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, through a press release from the PRO Raj Bhavan, Nagaland governor and state's interlocutor for Naga peace talks RN Ravi sent out a message that read: "I would like to categorically assure you all that you do not have to worry at all. Article 371(A) is a solemn commitment to the people of Nagaland. It is a sacred commitment. We are earnestly working to happily conclude the ongoing political process which is at a very advanced stage."
A separate statement informed that Ravi had called on the President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi on Tuesday briefing them on matters pertaining to the state. This was his first meeting as the state's governor.