Develop Nagaland to its unique position: Sumitra Mahajan

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Saturday asked the Nagaland government to develop this scenic mountainous state to its special and unique position in the socio-cultural landscape of India.

"When the idea of development is considered, we should think about youngsters and emphasise on skill development, for which institutions are built," Mahajan said at an event celebrating 50 years of the Nagaland legislative assembly.

She said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi was paying special attention to skill development.

Emphasising on women empowerment, Mahajan urged Nagaland to stress more on girls' education and women's representation in the assembly.

She also asked the state to develop according to its culture and potential and not copy other states.

"Skills, forests and culture of the people should be considered in urbanisation of the state," she said.

She eulogized the traditional democratic system prevalent in Nagaland, especially in local self government, where the village chiefs are highly respected and collective working is prevalent.

Mahajan encouraged the members of the Nagaland assembly to ensure that governance in the state remains accountable, transparent and responsive to people's needs and demands.

She unveiled a commemorative monolith and released a souvenir and a memento.

Former chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who is now a Lok Sabha member, said Nagaland was formed under difficult circumstances through blood, tears and sacrifice of every Naga family.

"The fruits of statehood which have benefited generations came at a heavy cost of struggle, revolution, violence and great sacrifices," he said.

"Nagaland was formed out of a political agreement, namely the 16th points agreement, which simultaneously resulted in the establishment of democratic institutions beginning with the Nagaland assembly," he said.

Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo apprised the gathering about the history of Nagaland, the struggle and achievement of statehood, and the first legislative assembly in 1964.