Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton addresses a public meeting at Tchujanphen village, convened by the JCC of Ralan Area Lotha Hoho and Yanmhon Area Public Organisation on August 23. (Image Courtesy: @YanthungoPatton/X)
Dimapur/Kohima, August 24 (MExN): Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton, today issued a clarification regarding what he termed a “clip circulating which attempts to create a false impression” about his commitment to the DAB (Disturbed Area Belt) following the eviction drives along the Assam-Nagaland border.
In a statement issued via the DyCM Media Cell, Patton maintained that he has been actively engaged in the issue and constantly monitoring the developing situation following the eviction drives.
Among others, he pointed out that he visited the Ralan area in Wokha district on July 24 to assess the “situation first hand” and held a public meeting in Liphayan village in the presence of 40 Bhandari A/C MLA Achumbemo Kikon, district administration officials, and police.
At the meeting, community members voiced their concerns regarding the deployment of additional forces, he added.
The Deputy CM also informed that he conducted a coordination meeting in Niuland on the same day and asserted that the Governments of Assam and Nagaland are working in “full cooperation and coordination to ensure the smooth execution of the ongoing eviction drive.”
“Both administrations and law-enforcing agencies remain committed to maintaining peace, order, and the rule of law throughout the process,” he added, further placing on record appreciation to both the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Assam “for successfully executing the eviction drive.”
Despite such engagements, Patton expressed pain over what he termed as an allegation from a local media TV journalist accusing him and the State Government of “not visiting the border areas following the eviction drive bordering Assam and Nagaland.” Accordingly, he categorically refuted the claim, stating the “accusations are baseless and unfounded.”
He also urged media houses and journalists to exercise “due diligence and verify facts from official sources before publishing any reports related to the operation,” adding that unfounded claims or unverified information not only mislead the public but also “risk creating unnecessary confusion and tension.”
“Responsible journalism plays a critical role in upholding transparency and trust. We expect and appreciate the continued support of the media in reporting accurately and objectively on matters of public interest,” he added.
KPC expresses shock
Meanwhile, the Kohima Press Club (KPC) has condemned what it described as the display of “dictatorial behaviour” by the Deputy CM by allegedly berating a journalist “on record and in full public view” at a public meeting in Wokha district on August 23.
The incident is related to the clarification issued by the Deputy CM.
Appalled and shocked, the KPC stated that it is “unbecoming” of the Deputy CM to rebuke a member of the media while delivering a public speech “not only questioning the reporter for doing his/her job but also singling out the reporter not to sit in front of him or to come to the area when he (Patton) is there.”
“As journalists, it is our fundamental duty to question in our quest for truth and provide fair and comprehensive accounts of events,” it added.
In this connection, the KPC stated that it was deeply disturbed over the verbal abuse of a fellow in public and appealed for a conducive environment for journalists to work.
