CM Neiphiu Rio and others during the PDA rally held at Multipurpose Hall, Zunheboto town on April 15
Zunheboto, April 16 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Monday stated that “religious prosecution has been a part of the world’s history for time immemorial,” and that “few isolated incidents here and there should not be misconstrued as one party advocating anti-religion, nor should it form the basis of one party’s election propaganda.”
Stating this during the PDA rally held at Multipurpose Hall, Zunheboto town on April 15, the CM emphasised that a political party should instead be focused on the development and progress of the country. “The exponential growth of the Indian economy on the global stage serves to validate the Modi led BJP as the right party to lead our country,” Rio stated.
In his campaign speech, Chingwang Konyak, President PDA, NDPP President Nagaland, stated that no party can set up a party based on religion alone in response to the false propaganda on religion in politics, stated a press release issued by Irali Murumi, General Secretary, CWO NDPP, Election Committee, Member, Zunheboto District.
PDA Consensus Candidate, Dr Chumben Murry in his address, said, “politics is like working in the field for five years, the harvest of these five years are ‘peace’, ‘development’ and ‘progress of society’.”
“Peace does not come automatically but efforts should be given,” he stated citing the CM’s efforts since 2003, and the fruit of such efforts is working for Naga political issues, sitting on the same table with different factions sharing the minds and 60 MLAs coming together is not about strength but unity and to facilitate the early Naga issue which is the longest insurgency issue. “Religion and political platforms are different,” he remarked.
On the development and progress of society, he said, “for instance, the development of roads around Nagaland has saved the time factor, the implementation of “Year of Farmers”, “Year of the Youth Empowerment”, CMHIS, CMMFI and CMLIS (Which is going to be applied) by CM are now bearing fruits and now making our life comfortable.”
In a short speech, G Kaito Aye, Minister R&B, and Convenor, PDA Election Committee Zunheboto District stated that all 60 MLAs of Nagaland Legislative Assembly are Christians and will stand for the Nagas. “So the issue of anti religion does not even arise, but is all social media rumours, assumptions, and political propaganda perpetrated by the opposition,” Aye stated.
Azo Neinu, MLA and leader NPF, recalled his past visit to Zunheboto said under the leadership of CM the district has drastically developed and such act of development should be reciprocated by the people.
Deputy CM Y Patton stated that “it is mostly during the elections, BJP is accused as anti-Christianity but in truth BJP is only a political party. Since 2003, CM had an alliance with the BJP but so far no atrocities against Christians have occurred during and under his leadership.”
Earlier, giving the welcome address, KT Sukhalu, Advisor to Food & Civil Supply and Legal Metrology stated that Nagaland is not a self-sufficient state and “we are relying on the central government.” He urged the people to keep the faith on the seven Legislators under Zunheboto district and to support the PDA consensus candidate, for further all round development of the district.
The programme was chaired by Khehoshe Yeptho, President NDPP, Zunheboto Region with invocation by Ghunato Assumi, Associate Pastor, SBCZ, vote of thanks by Kazheto Kinimi, Advisor, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and benediction by Aketo K Yeptho, Youth Pastor, ZTSBC.
