NDPP hits back at Congress president Therie over his allegations on Oting killing incident

Dimapur, Dec. 18 (EMN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has condemned Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie over his “series of outlandish accusations” levelled against the state government and the chief minister in connection with the recent Oting tragic incident.

Calling Therie’s allegations “callous and immature” without an iota of truth, the NDPP, through a press statement, wondered if it was a result of frustration caused by his failure as a politician.

It recalled how Therie, the then minister in the SC Jamir-led government, was expelled from the Congress party for his anti-party activities before joining a regional party, following which he condemned the Congress, calling it a “dictatorial, dynastic and shameless” party.

It went on to say that he was made Finance Minister in 2003 but was later dropped as a minister due to “his poor performance, mishandling of the finance department his attitude towards the party” before he was eventually expelling from the regional party as well.

“Today, he has returned to the very party he had condemned and insulted and is back with the leaders whom he considered dictatorial, dynastic and shameless,” read the press statement from the NDPP.

Hitting back at Therie over his query if the chief minister of the state had borrowed 21 para military troopers from the Assam chief minister in connection with the recent Oting incident, the party clarified that paratroopers are not under the control of the state government.

“The Paratroopers and the Army do not operate under the command of the state government and are under the direct control of the Defence Ministry. However, since the incident (Oting firing) is a clear case of a special operation terribly botched up, a Court of Inquiry has been constituted, and it is expected that the guilty shall be brought to book. Accusing others of removing an incumbent Governor is nothing but an insult to the Honourable President of India,” said NDPP.

“The present Chief Minister and his successive governments have always opposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the declaration of Nagaland as a disturbed area all along,” it said, adding that the government has been recommending for removal of the “disturbed area” tag.

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It said the state cabinet had reiterate its opposition to AFSPA in the aftermath of the Oting massacre too besides condemning the inhuman crime and the chief minister’s statement on this is available in the public domain.

“The leadership of Mr. Neiphiu Rio has always stood up for resolution of the decades old Indo-Naga political imbroglio from day one. He and his governments have made significant sacrifices and contributions towards the peace process and the achievement of many successful milestones in the negotiations as a facilitator,” it stated, citing the incumbent government’s series of consultative meets with civil societies, tribal hohos, church organisations and Naga national political groups over the last three years as well as formation core committee on Naga political issue to facilitate an early solution.

“The Naga public are not only the observers of these actions but also contributing participants,” it said.

It went on to remind that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly is conducting a special session on December 20 to deliberate various issues in a democratic manner that expresses and voices the feelings of the masses.

The party stated that it had condemned the Oting incident, called for repeal of AFSPA and flew its flags at half-mast for three days, while its president, leaders and representatives were in Mon to provide any necessary assistance.

The NDPP went on to say to highlight some steps taken by the state government regarding the Oting tragedy:

• The state government and Chief Minister condemned the incident and announced the formation of a high level SIT to be headed by an officer of IGP level to probe the incident.
• The state and central governments announced ex-gratia as well as government jobs for the next of kin of the victims.
• Casualties were evacuated and air-lifted by state helicopters and all expenses for their medical treatment being paid by the state government.
• The Home Commissioner and DGP were at the place of incident to oversee the situation.
• The Chief Minister attended the funeral service of the victims, met the bereaved families and held consultations with the people.
• The State Cabinet recommended repeal of AFSPA, condemned the massacre and demanded justice for the victims.
• A special NLA session to be held on December 20.

The NDPP went on to state that it is unbecoming for anyone to score brownie points over the tragic incident, cause confusion and defame the government and the chief minister at a time when the entire state is still mourning and coming to terms with the tragic and unimaginable loss of innocent young lives at Oting.