Keep tribalism aside and live as one family, says Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio

Chief Minister of Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday appealed to the people of Nagaland to keep tribalism aside and live as one family; to have a sense of brotherhood and work for the development of the state.

Addressing the public election rally for Zhaleo Rio, NDPP candidate for 5 Ghaspani-II Assembly Constituency, at Medziphema, Rio underscored the need for unity in order to progress, while adding that ‘we cannot be ashamed of ourselves but be proud to be Nagas and uphold our rich culture’.

Pointing out that there are many village candidates and tribal candidates today, he said the state will not progress if this trend continues.

On the Nagaland political issue, he said that the NSCN (IM), WC-NNPG and the Nagas should work together to bring a solution. Once solution comes, people of Nagaland can exploit oil and minerals, which will result in increase of investors, industrialists, factories and business activities, and the state economy will grow, he added.

When asked, on the sidelines of the event, if there is assurance about resolving the Naga political issue after the election, he replied that no one can guarantee that Nagas will get solution but judging the way things are going and the positivity shown by the Government of India and the negotiating parties, “we are hopeful”.

Addressed campaign of @NDPPofficial candidate Shri. @ZhaleoR from 5-Ghaspani-II A/C at Medziphema town. I call upon the constituents to cast your decisive vote in his favour to bring about further development. Best wishes to the candidate and Party workers. #FactaNonVerba pic.twitter.com/DrDsyG1tdJ

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) February 22, 2023

‘Alliance with only BJP’

Addressing the crowd, Zhaleo Rio said that some political parties are creating confusion that its candidates, if elected, will be included in the NDPP-BJP government but that won’t happen.

He highlighted various projects he had completed as well as the ongoing ones in the area, adding that the confidence reposed in him by the party leaders won’t go to waste.

He also thanked the people of the constituency for their cooperation in the developmental works and expressed hope of initiating new projects besides completing the ongoing after forming the new government.

Also speaking at the event, former MLA and advisor of NDPP (CEB) Hukavi Zhimomi said the state won’t develop if the people elect leaders based on tribes and range-wise during election. He added that only strong leaders can bring development to the state.

Also read: Nagas should not take politics lightly, says CM Rio