Antony hopes for early solution of Naga issue

Punglwa, May 12 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today expressed his confidence that the peace initiatives taken up by the Nagas will soon bring a solution to the vexed problem in the state.

Inaugurating a Sainik School at Punglwa, the such school here, Mr Antony said, ''I have seen a change in the atmosphere of Nagaland and the initiatives from all corners of the state are on to have an everlasting peace in Nagaland.'' He further appreciated the State Government's initiative in ensuring peace.

Mr Antony said, '' The school is an opportunity for students of the state to improve their talents through education and to lead a disciplined life." He also informed the school will admit about 67 per cent of local boys.

He also announced a proposal to set up one Sainik School in every state.

He said one sainik school each has already been sanctioned for Mizoram and Sikkim.

Union Minister of State for Defence M M Palam Raju said the school is the 21st Sainik School of the country.

He also announced that the Ministry of Defence will provide Information Technology equipment to all Sainik School of the country.

Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayanan appreciated the role of the state government and the former Sainik School Students of Nagaland.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed his gratitude to former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee for sanctioning the school and the Department of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the funds of the school.

UNI