CNSA decries disparity in distribution of funds

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, July 24 (EMN): Alleging disparity in distribution of developmental funds and projects to various districts, the Central Naga Students’ Association (CNSA) accused the state government led by chief minister of resorting to tribalism and nepotism and demanded that all development projects and fund distributions be scrutinised and distributed fairly in the overall interest of the Nagas.

In press released received here today, CNSA comprising of the three apex student bodies namely Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) and Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) stated that they are totally appalled by the government’s funding decisions for a number of projects and initiatives whereby the government has underlined its importance to a certain section of the people.

“The secretive and unjustified selfish interest of the government in coordinating and allocating the plans and resources is intolerable and threatening,” said CNSA.

CNSA argued that since the government does not exist solely for the benefit of one tribe or one district, all of the state’s districts ought to be handled fairly and equally.

In this regard, CNSA urged the government to look into the disproportional discrepancies in development activities and immediately revoke and review all projects that have already been submitted and approved in order to ensure equity and prevent discrimination.

CNSA further stated that the partiality and preference shown by the government led by the chief minister to one particular district has proved that developmental funds and projects have been distributed on the basis of “tribalism and nepotism.”

In this connection, CNSA stated that “if the chief minister is unable to take responsibility for all the discrepancies and is unable to perform his duty as a competent and unbiased person, he should step down from his chair on moral grounds.”

They further stated that at a time when the state is attempting to find a peaceful political solution, if a significant portion of the Naga population is neglected and deprived for the benefit of a small section of people, it would not only impede and jeopardise the Naga integration process but also lead to internal conflicts and hostility, the consequences of which the present leaders would have to bear.