NPF accuses the NLA Speaker of refusing to accept the request for extension of the session.
Kohima, August 12 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF), on Wednesday decided to boycott the sixth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) scheduled to be held on August 13 over the refusal of the Speaker to accept the request for extension of the session.
In a letter addressed to the NLA Speaker, with a copy to the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, on August 12, the NPF Legislature Party informed about its decision while stating that the dignity of the Assembly and its democratic principles have been repeatedly “abused” on the pretext of implementing COVID-19 measures.
NPF Legislature Party Spokesperson, Imkong L Imchen, said that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on July 20 was informed by two of its MLAs about the proposal made by the Opposition for a three-day Session to discuss pertinent issues like the Naga Political issue, issues related to COVID-19 and SARFAESI ACT, 2002.
“The request was turned down,” he said.
Similarly, Leader of Opposition (LoP), TR Zeliang had, on July 25, called upon the Speaker to accept the request for extension of the 6th session by a few more days wherein the second day can commence in August as deemed convenient post recess, Imchen said in the letter.
“However, the proposition of the Leader of Opposition went unattended. As such, Zeliang was compelled to write to the Governor on August 3, for extension of the business session to three days,” said Imchen.
In response to the LoP’s letter, Governor RN Ravi had written to the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on August 3, he said.
“Despite clear indication by the Governor that the 6th Session of the 13th NLA should be of adequate duration to enable it to deliberate over the pressing issues of Nagaland, the Speaker failed to consider the same,” added the NPF spokesperson.
Instead, a letter was reverted to the Governor, reaffirming the decision of holding a one-day session.
Imchen also stated that the Opposition MLAs had filed 29 Questions to be answered during the Session. However, only 12 Questions were accepted by the Assembly Secretariat while the time duration allotted to the Opposition Bench for discussion on matters related to COVID-19 was a mere 35 minutes which “by all standard is insufficient.”
“To protect democratic practices and to maintain the sanctity of the NLA, the Opposition Party will boycott the one-day session to be held on August 13 which has been convened for mere fulfillment of the constitutional obligation,” said Imchen.
