Leader of Opposition slams Nagaland Government policies
KOHIMA, AUGUST 3 (MExN): Leader of the Opposition, TR Zeliang today stated that the present PDA government has “ignored the Naga people despite their tall claims and promises.”
Addressing the NPF consultative meeting of central office bearers and NPF legislators in Kohima on August 3, the former Chief Minister spoke on a range of issues including the Citizenship Bill 2016, Naga integration, the National Registration of Citizens (NRC), utilization of funds etc.
On the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016, Zeliang claimed that the PDA Cabinet on June 5 decided “not to oppose the bill or interfere in national policies. It decided to oppose only when the proposed amendment goes against the interest of the Nagas.”
He questioned whether the PDA government’s conclusion that the proposed amendment went against the interest of the Nagas would come only after the bill is passed. “Or for that matter, will the PDA government oppose the Amendment Bill at the time of implementing the said Act?” he added.
“Unless the PDA Government is of such ridiculous opinions, it must rectify its Cabinet decision at the earliest or spell out the grounds on which it had decided not to oppose the said Bill,” Zeliang said.
Regarding the Naga integration issue, Zeliang asked: “When the Chief Minister himself who represents the people of Nagaland has publicly announced that integration is not possible (at New Delhi on June 12, 2018), what is left for the Interlocutor and the NPGs for further negotiations(s)?” Is it not a hindrance created to the Naga negotiators who represent the Nagas? He posed.
Zeliang asserted that the NPF would continue to stand for peace and an honourable solution. He further alleged that the current government instead of recommending lifting of the AFSPA has “recommended the necessity of AFSPA to continue in Nagaland.”
Regarding the NRC, Zeliang stated that when he provided suggestions for the government to take precautionary measures, the NDPP youth wing had charged him in a “personalised attack.”
“We are well aware of the menace of Illegal Immigrants in the State and the impending danger we may face as in the case of Assam,” he said.
Meanwhile turning his attention to the state deficit, Zeliang said that “instead of bringing funds from Delhi for development, PDA government is busy diverting sanctioned projects to meet its own interest.” PDA government had committed to repair the roads of all the District HQs in 60 days period but there is nothing on the ground while fund allocation District-wise has not been disclosed till date, he further alleged.
He pointed out that the PDA government refused to furnish the figure of deficit against 2013-14 & 2014-15 till date despite its promise on good governance, transparency and accountability. “Though the matter was raised by Leader of Opposition in the last Assembly Session and also written to the Speaker, the Speaker is yet to reply to the letter. At present, the party office has filed RTI in the Finance Department & AG,” he informed.
Zeliang expressed concern that queries from elected members in public interest have made the government “hide from the Assembly, the highest forum in the State.” “If this is the practice, what will be the fate of civil societies seeking information?” he asked.
The Leader of the Opposition further touched on the case regarding de-registration of the NDPP. In this, he stated that the NPF would respond to any queries sought by the ECI, adding that it is the duty of the NDPP to furnish its own reply to the queries sought by the ECI, “instead of pointing fingers.”
NPF President, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu meanwhile said that as the opposition, the NPF can act as a watchdog, and urged party legislators to play their role effectively.
Shürhozelie reaffirmed the party’s commitment for integration of Naga inhabited areasand said that within the area classified as the ‘Territorial Boundary of Manipur State’, “the Meteis and Nagas as recorded in history were the only indigenous inhabitants of that area and no other.”
“In due course of time many people migrated to the area, particularly rich people from the main land and have been making fortunes which attract more and more people to come with them and as a result, a group of indigenous inhabitants, the Nagas have been treated as second class citizens by their own brothers,” he said.
He further stated that the state should fight against the Citizens’ (Amendment) Act 2016. “If the Government of India tries to impose this bill to small states like Nagaland, it will be understood as a negative step to accommodate illegal immigrants from the neighboring states/nations at the cost of our people which we will never agree,” he said.
