DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 1 (MExN): Expressing displeasure over the dismissal of Mmhonlum Kikon from the post of Parliamentary Secretary for Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Border Affairs, the Lotha Hoho (LH) has asked the Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang to clearly spell out the reason for his decision.
While stating that it has neither political interest nor anything against TR Zeliang, Lotha Hoho chairman Mhao Humtsoe and general secretary Er Mhondamo Ovung in a press statement on Tuesday stated it has taken particular note of media reports that the dismissal may be related to the filing of PIL by the Hoho.
On this, the Hoho clarified that Mmhonlumo Kikon has not in any way discussed with the Lotha Hoho on the anomalies of the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulation & Rules 2012 nor in any way was he connected with the filing of the PIL.
However, if the “reason for the dismissal was really the PIL,” the Hoho said it failed to understand as to why the “present DAN Ministry is so hell bent on withdrawing the LH PIL against the NP& NG Regulations & Rules 2012.”
Pointing out that the Supreme Court has ruled that a PIL, once filed, cannot be withdrawn without culminating at its logical conclusion, the Hoho said it was baffled as to “why spend unnecessary efforts and resources to entrust people to convince the LH to withdraw the PIL.”
The Hoho also stated that after experiencing pressure through numerous agencies, entrusted to do so by the “unscrupulous authorities” to withdraw the PIL, it was compelled to believe that there are “definitely hidden agenda with vested interest,” since the LH PIL has in no way infringed on the interest of the Nagas or the provisions of Article 371A.
“As far as the understanding of the LH, in its clear conscience goes, the PIL does in no way undermine or hinder the interest of any one, either Nagas or any stakeholder, except standing for the rights of the landowners, be it Lotha or any prospective stakeholder. The LH PIL is purely for sustaining the provisions of Article 371A,” it asserted.
Considering all these, the Hoho wanted to know if it was being taken as a “commodity for marketing,” so that numerous agencies can do business in pursuing the LH to withdraw the PIL.
In the meantime, the Hoho said it would stand by Mmhonlumo Kikon “as long as he does right for the Lotha people.” It further said that “he was elected by the Lotha people to stand for their rights, protect them, lead them,” work for its welfare and not to be the “errant runner of someone.”
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