Kohima, August 26 (MExN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by Neiphiu Rio today responded to ACAUT’s allegation that the Chief Minister TR Zeliang has been withholding information with regard to drawal authorities issued by the Finance Department.
ACAUT had made the allegation in relation to RTI application filed on April 6, 2017 and the same was published in the local media on August 25. A press release from NPF Press and Information Cell noted that as per the RTI Act 2005, activist first needs to file RTI with the PIO of the department, then to Appellant Authority and if Appellant Authority also fails, they need to complain to Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) for final hearing.
“However, the ACAUT bypassed the CIC and went into the public domain which is a sign of sheer ignorance and having some hidden agendas,” it alleged.
NPF asked ACAUT who was in-charge of Finance in the government at that point of time from April to July 2017. “What authority is vested on an Advisor of the finance department that he can ‘withhold Information’? Why does ACAUT not question the then Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozielie, who was In-Charge of Finance Department,” it questioned.
The stance of ACAUT to only raise the issue when TR Zeliang is back as the Chief Minister, the release stated, “is a pathetic and failed attempt to tarnish his image.”
Maintaining that “the hidden political agenda of ACAUT stands bare for all Nagas to see,” NPF said if ACAUT claims to be a non-political organization, person or persons with vested interests within the ACAUT should be identified and removed from key positions. “TR Zeliang’s government is competent and is committed to transparency and good governance. All the departments are being streamlined to ensure that these objectives are translated into reality,” it further asserted. Meanwhile, it expressed surprise that “there are certain sections of people who do not want to see TR Zeliang’s government to run smoothly but accuse him of all the ills to tarnish his image and create havoc at every given opportunity.”
Despite all “distractions”, it believed, people of Nagaland will continue to support and cooperate with the government and move forward together towards peace, progress and prosperity of the State.
