Morung Express News
Kohima | July 9
Opposition Congress today came down heavily on the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN government for the state budget presented by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Senior Congress MLAs I. Imkong and KL Chishi described the budget as ‘mere rhetoric, exaggerated, anti-development and anti-people’ and took the government to task for the rampant extortion, particularly in Dimapur and questioned the government’s role in the Naga peace process.
Initiating the discussion, I. Imkong alleged that there is complete breakdown of law and order in the state, particularly in Dimapur which, he said, has been virtually turned into a haven for all sorts of criminals and militant groups from the Northeast and even Bangladesh. He said elements from Bangladesh are operating in Dimapur under the very nose of the administration and cautioned the government of the threat and danger posed by the Bangladeshi elements in Dimapur and its surrounding areas.
He also said Inner Line Permit system is not being enforced in the state. Imkong further said the DAN government has been mired in scam after scam. On the budget, he termed it as a mere repetition of what was said on previous occasions on the floor of the House and that it was devoid of visions for development of the state.
Also taking part in the discussion, former chief minister KL Chishi described the budget presentation as full of rhetoric and exaggeration, unrealistic, imaginary, anti-development, anti-people, wishful thinking and unbalanced. He said the budget figures are contradictory. He alleged that the government has hidden many skeletons in the budget and that the government has hidden the actual deficit figure. He accused the government of having hidden agenda maintaining that there is no revenue mobilization in any department but only expenditure. He also insisted that developmental works are all focused on the capital Kohima and not beyond.
Also, taking a dig at the government on the law and order front, he said the rampant the menace of extortion is affecting the budget. He launched a scathing attack on Home Minister Imkong Imchen, ridiculing him for calling the situation of Dimapur as “normal” and also accused him of indulging in nepotism and favoritism. He, along with some others who took part in the discussion, also suggested lifting the liquor prohibition in the state, pointing out that it has been a miserable failure and costing the state immense loss in revenue.
Also, senior Congress leader I Imkong also asked the DAN Government whether it would continue to act as the facilitator once the Khaplang faction of NSCN starts peace talks with the Government of India. Imkong also maintained that the State Chief Minister instead of talking about the problems of Myanmar should concentrate on integration of Naga people as it would be more helpful in resolving the Naga political problem.
Dwelling on the media reports that the Naga national workers have said that no solution within the Indian constitution and Union Home Minister Chidambaram’s statement no solution beyond Indian Constitution, Imkong said as elected representatives of the Naga people, the House should not remain silent on the issues. He also suggested that the State Government should support the decision of the Naga leaders and people.
(Inputs from Newmai News Network)
