
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 24 (MExN): Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, and Minister for Home and Border Affairs Y Patton has issued a statement in response to a statement from the Western Sumi Hoho accusing him and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Power of being involved in “illegal developments” at the disputed Kiyevi village land “in violation of status quo order.”
The Deputy CM said that in his official capacity as the Minister-in-charge of Home Department, he has on several occasions visited the disputed areas along with officers of the State Government. During his visits he has interacted with stakeholders including leaders of civil societies. The stance of the Deputy CM (Home) and of the State Government on this issue has been to maintain status quo, till the matter is brought to an acceptable settlement. Instructions to maintain the status quo have been issued by the Home Department as well, he stated.
The Deputy CM said that the allegations are a “bolt from the blue,” and felt that “a respected and responsible organization such as the Western Sumi Hoho could have ascertained the factual position from him before publishing the same in the newspaper.”
Refuting the allegations, the Deputy CM clarified that except for his involvement in his official capacity, he has no direct or indirect involvement on this matter. In his official capacity, the Deputy CM said he has directed the Home Department to seek a status report on the issue along with views/comments of the tribal bodies.