10th NERCPA conference begins in Kohima

Kohima, May 4: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today inaugurated the four-day long 10th Conference of the North Eastern Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) at the New Assembly Complex here.

Barring Manipur, delegates from all other North Eastern states including Sikkim are taking part in the conference to discuss on some important topics of the region.

The topics include the development of road and communication, opening of border trades and commerce in the Northeast and scheme for self-employment in the region for solution of youth unrest.

Inaugurating the conference Mr Rio termed the NERCPA as a unique regional forum, which will act as a catalyst to bring an all round development of the region and the future role for the NERCPA in becoming the common ''Goodwill Ambassador'' for the region.

He said he has noted some ''purposeful and meaningful'' agenda, which will enable to address common issues of wider importance confronting the people of the Northeast.

The region has tremendous potential and possibilities following the ''Look East Policy'' of the Centre.

He also appealed to the delegates to adopt a resolution for strengthening the existing border trade points with Myanmar and Bangladesh by constructing ''proper'' highways connecting these stations from both sides of the border.

Tripura Assembly speaker Ramendra Chandra Debnath, who is also NERCPA's acting chairman, informed the delegates about the topics to be taken up for discussions.

Earlier, Nagaland Assembly Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie welcomed the guests.

UNI