PUGHOBOTO, FEBRUARY 13: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly has a lot of work to do including the Naga political issue, impending delimitation, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in municipal councils and women reservation among others.
Addressing a public rally at Pughoboto local ground, under Zunheboto district, Rio stated that the 14th NLA will take crucial decisions for Nagas citing that the NSCN (IM) and the WC-NNPG had come to a common understanding for the resolution of the Naga issue and asked the people to be united.
On the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation’s (ENPO) decision to withdraw their abstention from taking part in the election, Rio welcomed the move and highlighted the steps taken by the State Government by forming a committee and subsequently, recommending an autonomous council for the region realising the deficiency of development in the region.
Informing that the house of 60 members did not have a single issue with regard to the integration of all Naga inhabited areas and had unanimously passed the 6th resolution in the Assembly, he added that the Government is against division of the State, re-dividing, disintegrating the state.
Rio pointed out that the impending census and delimitation will take place soon and maintained that ‘delimitation should be done justly unlike the last time to deliver justice to all’.
He also asserted that the BJP-NDPP alliance, since 2018 till date, is going strong and will form the next government and told the gathering not to have confusions about forming the government, alliance and leadership.
NDPP is a new party which is regional in character, national in outlook and with global prospect to pursue and uphold regional aspirations and Naga identity, Rio stated.
‘Pughoboto a regional stronghold’
Stating that Pughoboto is a regional stronghold and a regional constituency, he exuded hope that the electorates will elect the sitting MLA, Y Vikheho Swu to be in the ruling government unlike in the past which deprived the constituency of developments.
He exhorted the people to seize the opportunity while maintaining that the ticket was given to the NDPP despite BJP ticket aspirants and added that the ticket was allotted with the hope that the people will not fail him.
Informing that a stable government and strong regional partnership is needed with the BJP, he said that the BJP party had high regard for the Nagas, their sentiments and their uniqueness.
The Chief Minister also stated that post solution to the Naga issue, the Centre had disclosed that there will be an addition of 20 seats in the Legislative Assembly, while the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats will be increased to 3 each.
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections also should be held with reservation for women, he asserted and added that Naga women have advanced more than men in education and in business.
Maintaining that NDPP stands for women empowerment and gender equality, he said party had also given two tickets to women candidates with the prospect that if they win from their constituency and come to the NLA, history will be made.
The Chief Minister also said that NDPP had coined the slogan ‘Change is coming’ during the last election and had worked towards the development, especially in road sector, even though not up to the desired level, he added that the Government is also working towards e-governance and computerisation, while the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) was created to advocate meritocracy and transparency towards excellence.
Rio also expressed concern about the LJP (RV) party candidate supporters taking the name of the BJP party to confuse the electorates in Pughoboto and assured that he will take up the matter with the BJP high command.
Further, he urged the people of the State to avail the Chief Minister Microfinance Initiative (CMMFI) scheme and Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
He also informed that Kohima will be hosting an event of the G20, wherein two surveys were completed, with the meeting scheduled to take place in the first week of April this year.
Meanwhile, also speaking during the rally, incumbent MLA Y Vikheho Swu stated that the road used by the Pughoboto people was built by Rio’s father and expressed gratitude to him for giving Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) and Electoral district to Pughoboto.
“Our only regret is that since 2003, the Pughoboto AC has been in the opposition due to circumstances which is a loss for the Sub-Division”, he stated.
“Why can’t we be in the ruling government?” he further questioned and said that the NDPP ticket was not for him, but for Pughoboto people to be in the ruling.
Talking about the programmes initiated by him, Swu highlighted the under construction sub-divisional complex, road construction from Kijemetouma to Kheloshe Polytechinc, Atoizu via Ghathashi and the road from Showuba, to Pangsha in Noklak which will cross Pughoboto.
Further, he also highlighted the various programmes, initiated under him such as Back to Village, Beyond Books, Aphuyemi Achievers Award, Clean Village competition, Jhum Plus, etc.
It was from Pughoboto Sub-Division that Sumi people migrated to other areas and from where Christianity was spread, he stated and urged the gathering to uphold the prestige of the Aphuyemi people.
‘No pre-poll, post-poll alliance with anyone except NDPP’
Meanwhile, state BJP Chief Spokesperson, Kuputo Shohe informed the people not to be confused with other parties as there is no other pre-poll or post-poll alliance by the party except with the NDPP.
He also highlighted the various initiatives and development undertaken in the country and the State under the Central leadership.
Rio was accompanied by Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Neiba Kronu, who is also a star campaigner of the NDPP party.
A host of NDPP central leaders also attended the rally.
Popular artiste NK Naga also released and sang the NDPP Pughoboto Region theme song Jukucho Huthuvae.
(Page News Service)
