H&TE Minister says comments on NLA representation ‘blown out of proportion’

Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 26 

The media officer for Temjen Imna Along Longkumer, Minister for Higher & Technical Education today clarified on his recent comments regarding non Naga representation in the Nagaland State Assembly, stating that the Minister’s speech “was conveyed in good faith to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence amongst the citizens of Dimapur” and has been “blown out of proportion.” 

The media officer informed that Longkumer, speaking at the felicitation program of meritorious students and community toppers, organized by the Bhojpuri Samaj at Dimapur, had said "one day  in this state,  in the  near future,  you all may also become officers of repute , not only  business men, but in  the opportunity  of reservation  in Dimapur, you may also get the chance  that you may get  to  come to the Assembly."

The media officer stated that the Minister  also  pointed out the "need for the Nagas and the non Nagas living in the state of Nagaland, to be more united in  thoughts and actions as well, as the progress of the state so far was not only  because of the  Nagas alone, yet  the immense  contribution of the  indigenous non Naga settlers  had also played a vital role in the  progress and  development of the state,”  adding  that “it is a collective effort that has brought Nagaland to what it is today.”

The sole intention of the Minister, stated his media officer, was “to promote communal harmony and balance which is an essential part for peaceful coexistence amongst the various communities living in Dimapur and in the state.”