Chingwang Konyak re-elected as NDPP president

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 28

Chingwang Konyak and Abu Metha have been re-elected as the President and Secretary General Respectively of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) during 5th General Convention of NDPP held at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on February 27.

The declaration of the election result of the party was made by Charlie Sekhose, senior vice president and convenor Election Committee at the Convention and approved by the House.

Other elected office bearers announced included; working president-N. Bendang Jamir, H. Chuba Chang and Ahovi Zhimomi, treasurer- Dr John Murry, senior vice president- Charlie Sekhose, Rusemtong Longkumer and Dr Chumben Murry; Central Youth Organization president-Imchatoba lmchen, working president-Lhouvi Punyu, general secretary-Mixishe Zhimo and Merithung Odyuo, treasurer- Sedevikho Angami; Central Women Organization president- Vikali A. Zhimomi, general secretary-Dziesekhonuo, treasurer-Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung, treasurer- Maipo Walim; Central Agri & allied organization president-Y Vikheho Swu, Economic & Commerce Committee convener- Imnatiba, Students’ Committee convenor- Medo Yhokha and Committee for promotion of Culture convener - YP Chillio Khiamniungan.

Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said that election of the new office bearers has been necessitated as constitutional provision, which will be sent to Election Commission of India.

On power sector, Rio said that landownership issue has been hindering the development of power sector. “We spend almost Rs. 600 crore annually and face loss of around 50% through non-payment and power theft,” he said.

He also encouraged the party officials and workers to reach the general public on welfare schemes of the government including Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiatives etc.

NDPP manifesto stands for meritocracy and therefore competitive exams are being conducted to enter into government jobs, he said. But to facilitate the educated unemployed who want to venture into entrepreneurship and business activities, government is offering Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiatives and asked the people to avail the same. The government is for peoples’ welfare and therefore, people should come forward and avail the facility, he said.

To be in regional party, it is a huge responsibility to protect and uphold the history, rich culture, tradition, customary law and identity of the Nagas, he said.

He said that the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue forms the top priority of the NDPP. In this, he stressed on the need to make united efforts to resolve the Naga Political Issue. He said that DBs and GBs are custodian and the keepers of Naga customary law. Stating that Nagaland has been exempted from the usage of Panchayati Raj, he stressed on the need to use the usage of Council Hall and not Panchayat Hall as being practiced by many villages.

The speakers of the convention included; Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, Minister G Kaito Aye, Minister Metsubo Jamir, Minister CL John and Minister KG Kenye.