Neiphiu Rio happy with Delhi stance on Article 371

KOHIMA: Amid concerns about the special status of northeastern states in the backdrop of the Jammu & Kashmir situation, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed governor RN Ravi's statement assuring that special provisions for the state are not under any threat.
"The state government welcomes the statement of the governor and it is taken as an assurance by the Centre," Rio said.
In an e-mail statement, Governor Ravi had said: "Some people have expressed apprehensions over the implications of development in Jammu & Kashmir on Nagaland. 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." He added, "We are earnestly working to happily conclude the ongoing political process which is at a very advanced stage."
On the governor's statement that talks with various Naga rebels are at a "very advanced stage", Rio said, "The government finds it encouraging that the talks are at an advanced stage and there is hope that the political negotiations will reach their logical conclusion for an honorable and acceptable solution."
Ravi, who is also the government's interlocutor for the ongoing peace talks with various Naga insurgent groups including the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), was sworn in as governor of Nagaland on August 1. The governor had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was determined to bring a solution to the protracted issue.
Rio said the state government assures its fullest cooperation in its role as active facilitator and will leave no stone unturned to work towards creation of a congenial atmosphere in order to facilitate the political solution. The state was accorded special provisions under Article 371A in the Constitution, which states that no Act of Parliament shall apply to the state in respect of the religious or social practices of the Nagas, its customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law and ownership and transfer of land and its resources. It shall apply to Nagaland only after the state Assembly passes a resolution to do so, it says.