As the first woman Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland, S Phangnon Konyak generated considerable interest when she was sworn in in Parliament on 4 April. The president of the BJP Nagaland Mahila Morcha, who stood as the consensus candidate of the state’s ruling United Democratic Alliance. (UDA) was elected unopposed. Speaking exclusively to News18, Konyak shared her views on the key issues in Nagaland that she plans to raise in Parliament, the serious problem of insurgency and the assembly elections due next year. Edited excerpt:
How did you feel when you took the oath wearing the traditional Naga dress?
It was a great feeling for me. I was feeling proud of my state. I was wearing the traditional dress and dress of my motherland. My dress and my culture gave me the strength to take oath.
How are you getting the support of others?
Seniors in my party are helping me a lot. This responsibility puts a lot of pressure on me. Everyone has expectations from me… Leaders, colleagues… I have to perform to live up to everyone’s expectations.
Which issues of Nagaland will you raise in Parliament?
Nagaland has many issues. People have huge aspirations for this government, and I will highlight their needs. I will emphasize the scope of development and also take up what can be innovated.
Militancy has always been a problem in Nagaland. How would you address it?
The government is probing the matter. The BJP has been very serious about the issues of the Northeast. Nagaland has its own unique history and culture; All these have been taken into account. Talks for peace are coming. Everyone wants a peaceful solution. Things will soon be in the right place.
Elections will be held in Nagaland next year. what are your expectations?
BJP will do well. Nagaland has never had a woman legislator. This year I will try my best that at least women get tickets and we get a grassroot women representative from Nagaland.
What do you have to say about the firing incident in Oting village? You are from the same clan and village…
It is just a coincidence that I come from the same village and tribe. The incident in which common people died is very unfortunate. The government has constituted a committee, the Special Investigation Team (SIT). They will submit their report soon. The leaders of the society have also put their demands in front of the government. let’s watch.
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