NPCC questions Rio government for ‘appeasing’ civil societies

Dimapur, Oct.18 (EMN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has questioned the all party Nagaland government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on whether the elected government is being run by civil societies, stating that it has been “appeasing and empowering civil societies”, thereby compromising the authority of the government on several occasions.

NPCC cited the Aug. 18 consultative meeting where the state government empowered 14 tribes to settle the land dispute between two villages along Dimapur-Peren boundary.

It stated that this was a “prime example of how an elected govt abdicated its responsibility to civil societies in matters of governance”.

In a statement on Monday, NPCC further questioned the formation of United Democratic Alliance for an early Naga solution.

“When Govt. of India has announced that formal negotiations with all groups officially ended on Oct. 31 2019, the relentless attempt to keep the pot boiling is being watched by silent majority of the people in Nagaland. The biased approach of Chief Minister towards different groups is well known and this is one of the major hindrances in hammering out final agreement as peace continues to elude our state,” it read. 

“Since all 60 legislators have come together under the banner of UDA to form opposition-less govt and professing their sincerity for an early Naga solution by playing the role of a facilitator, they should also be prepared to be held fully responsible in the event of any delay or breakdown in achieving final solution. All legislators are reminded that their numerous resolutions, both within and outside legislative assembly, committing to resign and pave the way for an early solution remains to be honoured despite ripening situation at hand,” read the statement.

Furthermore, it said that Rio had appreciated the unity of tribal bodies in electing the UDA consensus candidate from NDPP unopposed.

“But his successful manoeuvring with truckloads of promises and commitments will weigh on him in the days ahead. Contrary to what the Chief Minister thinks, Congress not fielding candidate has got nothing to do with respecting the decision of the govt,” it added.