Centre ready to go extra mile for "honourable" solution to Naga problem: Manmohan Singh

Kohima, Feb 27 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said that his government is willing to go the extra mile to secure a honourable settlement to the prolonged Naga political conflict.

"We have been open and liberal in our approach and are hopeful that we will succeed in our efforts for a honourable solution. We are willing to go the extra mile for this purpose," Manmohan Singh told an election rally here.

In its election manifesto, the Congress party has expressed its commitment to pursue implementation of the 16-point agreement of 1960, which in a clause mentions integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas of the region.

Dr Singh also said that the Central Government had been engaged in a purposeful dialogue with disaffected groups to bring lasting peace to the state.

Giving stress over creation of better infrastructure in the rural areas and employment opportunity for Naga youth, the Prime Minister said: "I find it extremely satisfying when I see Naga boys and girls engaged in jobs in other parts of the country earning decent incomes. We need to bring these jobs to Nagaland."

Dr Singh assured the residents of the state that they would get their due share to achieve top class education facilities.

He also promised to construct a four-lane highway between Kohima and Dimapur, double laning of roads connecting 11 district headquarters with the national highway, upgradation of 700 km of roads, a green field airport near Kohima, promotion of tourism and special emphasis on development of agriculture and allied sections in the state.

ANI