Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 7
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today said that God’s intervention is the only way to normalcy in Nagaland. Addressing a press conference here today, Zeliang said this while adding that they will invite the NBCC and other Christian forums for a goodwill mission, a suggestion also made by the Governor of Nagaland State.
Noting that much legal and government explanations have been given on the issue, the CM said they will now release a “chronology” on the 33% women’s reservation issue and how the elections came to be notified.
Apologizes on behalf of the government
Zeliang said that the thing he regrets, and wants to convey his apology for, is the misunderstanding on the tripartite agreement between JCC, NBCC and the State Government.
According to the CM, the meeting had not discussed about postponement of the whole upcoming ULB election. The postponement, he said, was sought to make people understand the issue of 33% reservation and since they had understood the government position and agreed to it in principle, we thought that the postponement may not be necessary where there is no problem.
“Our good gesture has been misunderstood and they thought that the whole process of election everywhere in Nagaland will be postponed,” reflected the CM.
“So if we have committed that against the will of those people, NBCC or JCC, because of which this incident has taken place, with two boys losing their lives, then I feel sorry and apologize on behalf of the government.”
Let us hope that people will understand and with intervention of organization like NBCC, all churches and public will come to know the reality, the CM said.
He also felt that the situation is improving, hoping that people will restrain from any kind of violent agitation. We want to settle everything amicably and with understanding; we want to settle without confrontation so that everybody can start normal life, he said.
Will resign “if I am reduced to minority”
On the demand for his resignation, the Nagaland State Chief minister said, “My resignation or stepping down is beyond 33% women reservation.”
He said he will step down or resign “if I am reduced to minority.” He informed that as per the Supreme Court, if a Chief Minister or the Prime Minister has to resign or step down from the established government, a floor test in the Assembly or Parliament alone can give the verdict. Even this floor test can be filed through a no-confidence motion in the Assembly, not from outside it.
For now, he said he has the favour of majority, 58 out of 60, of the elected members in the Assembly. “We have to uphold the Constitution of India. We have to uphold court verdict given by Government of India,” he said.
On some tribal Hohos asking their respective elected members to resign, Zeliang said “I don’t think any MLA will resign because of pressure from NGOs or any kind of organization outside the House because they are elected by the constitution and have taken oath of affirmation and allegiance according to the Constitution of India so they are bound to go by the law.”
On closure of government offices and restriction on plying of government registered vehicles, Zeliang said this will be discussed with tribal Hohos on February 8 at the ‘consultative meet’.
“We are not going to force them to pass any resolution,” he said, adding but we want to make them understand the position of the government which he hoped they would understand. He said they should go to the people and explain to the people so that there will be no agitation or protest against the ULBs election.
Regarding the offices which were burnt down, the CM said the government will make alternative arrangement, adding that we will not allow those offices to stop functioning.
“That is our hope that within one month or two people will come to understand the reality,” he said.
‘No ground for PR’
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 7
Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, has ruled out the imposition of President’s Rule (PR) in Nagaland State. Responding to NPCC’s demands for PR in Nagaland, Zeliang said that PR “will not be good for the people so we will never invite President’s Rule in the state,” he noted. In any case, PR cannot be brought as per suitability but as per the law. “To impose President’s Rule, Governor can recommend but Government of India cannot just proclaim President’s Rule unless it is passed by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,” he said. “I don’t see any ground to impose President’s Rule. Somebody must be trying but it will be a futile,” the CM said. On being asked about the speculation of NPF merging with the BJP, Zeliang said “I have never talked to any central leader on merger of NPF into BJP. This is beyond my dream.” He termed the news item misleading and false.
