Govt recognises Naga tribal bodies, Rio tells envoys

Representatives from tribal hohos in each district were included in the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) involving them in the planning process from the grassroot level, an official release said today.

The diplomats, during an interaction yesterday, were informed about village councils and village development boards (VDB) in implementing rural development schemes and projects.

He said many states have emulated the decentralisation model of development and the state even received the UNDP innovation award.

The chief minister also briefed them about functioning of customary courts in the districts pointing out that such a traditional justice delivery system saved both time and money, the release said.

Rio said that Nagaland was endowed with huge potential for tourism development, but for a very long time the Centre did not encourage people to visit the state because of the Naga political problem.

But with the relaxation of the restricted area permit tourist inflow was getting better now, he said.

The chief minister also said that the economic development and growth in the state solely depended on early resolution of the Naga political conflict and a permanent solution to the vexed problem was the prime concern of Nagas.

The envoys were told about the state's initiatives in promoting rural and cultural tourism, particularly the annual Hornbill Festival at Kohima where all the 16 tribes showcased their cultural heritage.

The Union Home ministry yesterday expressed strong reservation over the visiting diplomats meeting Naga civil society groups.