DIMAPUR, MAY 7 (MExN): The state cabinet’s decision on selection of Peren district HQ has drawn flak from three apex bodies of Jalukie, the Whole Jalukie Council, the Jalukie Punling Nko and Jalukie Village, for its decision arrived at earlier in total disregard of the people’s mandate which the cabinet had promised to honour, a joint statement issued by the three bodies alleged.
In an open letter to the state Chief Minister, the three bodies said that the state cabinet decision to place the district headquarter at New Peren, in disregard to the consensus of people’s choice of Jalukie is “visionless and tyranny and has failed to see the internal crisis and has not visualized beyond the political party”.
Amidst lots of controversies and speculations, the Zelianrong Baudi in its general meeting decided to place the district headquarter at Jalukie, after they were given the mandate to do so by the people. However, in a dramatic twist to the issue, the state cabinet out of the blue selected New Peren for the district headquarters, adding more malice to the issue, it was alleged.
It said that the Peren District HQ site selection was done by the Zeliangrong Baudi, on the mandate of the people with support and contribution from the Government team in verifying and surveying the land.
Giving the detailed account of how Jalukie became the consensus choice, the three bodies said that the first preference proposed by PDC & FC and recommended by the Baudi was invalidated at the general meeting of January 25, 2006 and the house endorsed the Baudi to jointly initiate with the Government in selecting a new site. Accordingly, the Baudi team selected and proposed Jalukie as the best site, it stated.
The Government team along with the Baudi and Jalukie landowners then had a meeting on 13th March 2006, wherein it was agreed upon for establishment of Peren District HQ site at Jalukie, it informed. “And so, the Jalukie People gave free hand to the Government. Unfortunately, unprincipled intervention of political hands distorted and left the matter to return to the site disposed by the people for reasons that supersede all merits and advantages”, the three bodies stated.
It further pointed out that the decision of the Baudi is final and any other decision will go against the people and which is a crime, “whether it be individual or party or Government. We as Nagas believe that ‘there is no power that is above the mandate of the people”, the appeal to the Chief Minister stated.
The three bodies alleged that the state government has fallen victim to the political pressure of few individuals. However, it is only for short gain, the three bodies stated.
“No compromise of principle on ground of politics, wealth or money. It is unfortunate and pitiful on the part of the present Government to run its course on emotion, overlooking the human principle for the sake of immediate short gain and political name, never considering the wishes and needs of the people’s choice”.
The three cautioned that the state government will be held responsible for any consequences arising out of the cabinet decision. “Your honour is requested to reconsider the Assembly decision on ground of justice and benevolence and see that the decision of the people is made final”, said the letter signed by Heiyieying, Chairman, WJC, Namgaukum, Chairman JPN and Chairman, JVC.
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