CM evades media, makes quick exit from venue
Morung Express News
Kohima | October 14
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was clearly in an evasive mode on October 14, as he left the State Banquet Hall after announcing the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme. Making a public appearance immediately following a controversial news report hit, claiming that the Nagaland CM was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Rio made no effort to clear the haze surrounding the alleged interrogation in September at the Rangapahar Military Station in Dimapur.
Rio made a quick exit of the venue, closely guarded by his security escorts, who ensured that the waiting journalists, anticipating his comment on the controversy, were kept off limits. The journalists were stopped short by the CM, who often hears out queries before responding. “CMO (Chief Minister’s Office) will be issuing a statement” was what he blurted as he rushed to his car.
The statement, subsequently issued by the CMO’s Media Cell, refuted the claims made by The New Indian Express report, terming it “a fake news item.” It was routed via the DIPR, which posted it on the Naga News portal, Friday evening.
The statement sought to “explicitly” make clear that the Chief Minister “was never called by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with any matter connected with the High Court (construction project).”
According to it, “False and baseless allegations were being made without verification, primarily to cause loss and injury to the reputation of the Chief Minister.”
It added, “Action, in accordance with the law, is being initiated against those concerned and those who are responsible for this reckless dissemination of this fake news. And the concerned Department will clarify the other aspects of the news item.” It though did not specify what the “concerned Department” implied.
.jpg)
.jpg)
