Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy and the constructive criticism makes the Governments more accountable and transparent. Of late, the Opposition Congress in the garb of “freedom of expression” started indulging in a very destructive criticism trying to bring confusion and divisions among the Nagas by their ritual wild allegations against the Government in regard to the recent unfortunate NSCN (IM)-Sumi issue in Zunheboto district.
As their recent wild allegations which they attempted to create confusion and divisions in the minds of the publics that the Chief Minister and Home Minister could not escape their blame, I am constrained to give records straight for the larger interest of the general publics as to how the State Government had initiated steps to defuse the situation in the NSCN (IM)-Sumi crisis in Zunheboto district.
When there was process of finding solution between the representatives of the Sumi Hoho and other frontal organizations and the NSCN (IM) in the aftermath of what had happened in the Zunheboto-bound Tata Sumo near Zunheboto on December 21 last, it was only expected that the process should not be hindered. And there was nothing wrong in attempting to resolve the issue or such an attempt made by the Representatives of the Sumi frontal organizations and the outfit should not be misconstrued.
So when the news of NSCN (IM)’s assurance to hand over their cadres responsible for the incident to the district administration came in, it was taken as a positive step on the part of the parties involved in finding solution to the issue. But the failure on the part of the outfit to hand over the culprits to the district administration had come as a rude shock to all including the Opposition Congress as they had already stated in sections of dailies. This unusual development had virtually pushed the already and highly charged Sumis to inform the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell that “as part of the non-cooperation to the outfit, the public resolved to flush out NSCN (IM) cadres” from Sumi inhabited area including the “Mukalimi designated camp.”
As seen the imminent crises in the aftermath of the NSCN (IM)’s failure to hand over the culprits to the District Administration, the State Government stepped up its engagements to defuse the situation on the one side, while making foolproof security for the lives and properties of the civilians on the other. A team of Sumi legislators led by me rushed to Zunheboto and met leaders of various Sumi frontal organizations to pacify the agitating publics. An another Team of Sumi legislators and high ranking State officials led by me also went to Ghathashi to meet leaders of Sumis who were in more than ten thousands camping there to attack the “Mukalimi NSCN-IM designated camp.”
This was already explained in my last rejoinder to the NPCC Press Statement that the State Government had asked the NSCN (IM) on December 29, 2013 to vacate their designated camp at Mukalimi in the interest of restoring peace and harmony in the State. This issue was taken up with the appropriate authorities as the State Government, under any circumstances, would not allow any situation to go for more violence and bloodshed. Every moment was carefully observed keeping the Naga issue in mind, while taking unwavering stand to make sure that the lives and properties of the civilians were protected under any circumstances.
The Opposition Congress’ wild allegations against the Government particularly in regard to the recent incidents in Zunheboto have now become “ritual.” They have been unable to differentiate between the realities and the non-realities. If they cannot differentiate between the right and wrong or reality and non-reality, there is nothing wrong to describe that they have a sick mentality. Their attempt to target the Chief Minister for not uttering anything in regard to the recent incidents in Zunheboto is nothing but a manifestation of their “sick mentality” because whatever we had initiated is a collective stand of the Government.
I am not surprised the way the Opposition Congress even finds time to talk of R&B Department issue of my last tenure as Minister-in-Charge. I did my best as R&B Minister in the last DAN-II Government by bringing various schemes namely NLCPR, PMGSY, SARDP, NEC, CRF, ISC, etc. with equal attention to every nook and corner of the State. But as stated, the people are the best judge but for the Opposition Congress, as stated, are unable to differentiate right or wrong, reality or not reality or reasoning or not reasoning. They have miserably failed to discharge their duties as a Constructive Opposition, for which I have nothing to elaborate further.
I am wondering the way the Opposition Congress’ still calling the actions of the Government as “incompetent” is what they wanted to see the State forces intervene forcibly and see more bloodshed and violence. If they feel that way, I have no answer but I, honestly, think whatever the Government had initiated while tackling the situation in recent unfortunate incidents in Zunheboto was the best possible means we utilized it. Let the people judge. There were Central agencies as well as Para Military forces over and above State forces during this unfortunate episode at Mukalimi area. For this very services rendered by the forces, the forces deserved appreciations.
G. Kaito Aye
Home Minister
Nagaland
