Congress allegation to ‘foment discord in DAN’

Substantiate allegations or make a public apology says Home Minister

KOHIMA, APRIL 21 (MExN): Nagaland Home Minister, G. Kaito Aye, in responding to the allegations made on him by NPCC vice presidents Nillo Rengma and Khusatho, stated today that it was an attempt to “foment discord in the DAN alliance” and that “Politics in the State must progress from being infantile and immature to statesmanship.”

In a press note issued by the Home Minister, he clarified that the Assam Nagaland boundary issue has existed since the inception of Statehood. He wished to make no comment on the matter as it is now sub-judice in the Supreme Court of India. “However, it must be appreciated that the encroachment into Naga areas has been going on far before my tenure as Home Minister. The encroachments have resulted in conflagrations from time to time and the recent incidents in the border areas of Dimapur and elsewhere are a reflection of this unresolved issue,” noted Aye. He also called for recognition that “the encroachment in Merapani and Ladigarh areas has been going on for decades, much before my tenure as Home Minister and not as made out to be. The State Government has taken appropriate steps and will continue to do so in the interest of the people inhabiting these areas.”

The Mukalimi incident, the Home Minister observed, is one which “each and every Naga should reflect and ponder upon.” Reiterating that citizens have been suffering “long and hard” due to the pressing circumstances produced by the “vexed Naga political issue,” he said that the Council of Ministers and elected representatives in the DAN Government have “endeavoured to ensure that governance does not fail in these trying circumstances.” “Whether or not the DAN Government has failed in this regard is a question that each of us must contemplate upon objectively, without selfish motives, partisan views and vested interests,” he stated.

As a Minister in the DAN Government, Aye made “no excuses for the pitiable conditions of the roads” in the State. However, he maintained, “For the development of infrastructure in the State, a concerted effort is required from all of us. By all of us, I mean the people, the contractors, the bureaucrats and technocrats, the different organisations and the elected representatives. The one and only way for the quality of life in the State to improve is for all of us to pursue common good over personal interest.”

Finally, Aye urged Nillo Rengma and Khusatho to “substantiate their allegations or make a public apology for the damage they have done to my public image. Failing which, I would have no option but to initiate legal course for ‘defamation’.”