Dimapur, July 25 (EMN): The Council of Mbaupunglwa Baptist Churches today issued a statement dismayed over the comment of former chief minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu against TR Zeliang that was published in some of the local papers.
"We are pained and dismayed going through the article of Dr. Shurhozelie (former CM and President NPF) where he has referred Shri. T.R. Zeliang, Chief Minister of Nagaland as Governor's favourite 'Heraka boy'. It is unbecoming from a leader of his stature and age to use such language for we never address a grandfather a boy," stated the press release from President Hupun Zeliang and Secretary Akwet Samding of the council.
The churches council also stated that TR Zeliang is a bona fide Naga and true son of the soil.
"He is a democratically elected MLA of Nagaland from 7-Peren A/C. In the 12th NLA honourable elected representative for second time conscientiously elected Shri. TR Zeliang to be the leader considering all this qualities. No Governor has the authority nor discretion to choose or nominate leader of legislature party through favouritism, " it further added.
Reaffirming the Christian background of the chief minister the churches council also stated that TR Zeliang was the 6th son of Late. Rangleu Rangkau and Late. Gaibuile and he was brought up in a "Baptist Christian family" who was baptised on January 25 , 1973 by Rev. Turi Kaurinta and a bona fide baptised member of Nkialwa Baptist Church Council.
" Here we want to put on record that a young man in the person of Shri. T.R. Zeliang was blessed by the Almighty to lead our Nagas for a certain period of time though he belongs to a very minor and backward tribe. We also extend our profound gratitude to all elected representative of this 12th NLA for their unflinching support time and again. Let the will of the Almighty prevails defeating the evil divisive designs of vested interest," it further stated.
