DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today stated that the “authority of the government has been severely compromised.”
This, a press release from the NPCC Communication Department, said is because “since 2003 when Neiphiu Rio first became CM, he has only indulged in appeasing and empowering civil societies to such an extent that the authority of the government has been severely compromised on countless occasions.”
“When Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio wonders whether a constitutionally elected government should run the government or the civil society, he must only blame himself and nobody else,” the Congress said.
It pointed out that the recent August 18 consultative meeting where the State Government empowered 14 tribes to settle the land dispute between two villages along Dimapur-Peren boundary is a prime example of how an elected government abdicated its responsibility to civil societies in matters of governance.
“Moreover, Chief Minister Rio justifying the formation of an opposition-less government under the nomenclature of United Democratic Alliance for an early Naga solution is in itself a bundle of contradictions,” the NPCC claimed.
It said that when the Government of India has announced that formal negotiations with all groups officially ended on October 31, 2019, the “relentless attempt to keep the pot boiling is being watched by silent majority of the people in Nagaland.” The NPCC accused CM of employing a “biased approach” towards different groups, adding that “this is one of the major hindrances in hammering out final agreement as peace continues to elude our state.”
Since all 60 legislators have come together under the banner of UDA to form opposition-less government and professing their sincerity for an early Naga solution by playing the role of a facilitator, they should also be prepared to be held fully responsible in the event of any delay or breakdown in achieving final solution, the Congress stated.
It reminded all legislators that their numerous resolutions, both within and outside the legislative assembly, committing to resign and pave the way for an early solution, remains to be honoured despite “ripening situation at hand.”
Meanwhile, on the recent bye-election at 58 Shamator-Chessore Assembly Constituency, where the UDA consensus candidate from NDPP was elected unopposed, the NPCC said that the Chief Minister has “gone on record to appreciate the tribal bodies for their unity in getting his party candidate elected, but his successful maneuvering with truckloads of promises and commitments will weigh on him in the days ahead.”
“Contrary to what the Chief Minister thinks, Congress not fielding candidate has got nothing to do with respecting the decision of the government,” it stated.
