Kohima, November 12 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for School Education and Science and Technology Imkong L Imchen dismissed the allegation made by Leader of Opposition I Imkong that developmental funds given to Mokokchung district having 11 elected representatives were less than the two Northern Angami constituencies in Kohima district. “This is misrepresentation by leader of opposition,” he told the NEPS here at his office chamber on Monday.
Imchen, who is the only minister from the district (Mokokchung), said one should make ‘fair judgment’ on any developmental activity, without prejudice. The Leader of Opposition, also from the same district, had “misled” the whole affairs, he said.
Referring to the pre-poll violence in some constituencies in Mokokchung, Imchen felt that there should not be any such incidents in view of the coming state general elections. Besides there should be “free and fair” elections in their areas, he pointed out. Imchen asserted he would be going to the electorate to seek their mandate on the slogans of “peace and unity amongst the Nagas,” which according to him, was “vital and the need of the hour.”
This would be supplemented with the unprecedented developmental pace that had been taking place in the last five years of DAN rule headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. He was also confident that the ruling party would get more seats than the Congress in the coming general elections in the district.
Imchen also refused to buy comments made by some political opponents that Chief Minister Rio failed in political fronts. He said the Chief Minister could not be expected to “solve the Naga political issue”, which was lasting 60 years. “But he (Rio) has put his best towards this and that contribution should be appreciated by one and all,” the Minister reminded.
At the same time, the Minister was also critical of the Center’s role towards the vexed Naga political. “The Indian National Congress is very good in negotiation and keeping things pending,” he maintained.
On the repeated allegations that the ruling DAN was inclined to NSCN (IM) heavily, Imchen said the DAN Government was only facilitator and they were concerned for all.
Asked if talks with one faction would bring solution to Naga problem, the Minister replied that that was one area where the Government of India might be hesitating. But on the very first place, it was their (Government of India) decision to have negotiation with the NSCN (IM). “So they might have reason to talk to that faction,” he said. “But their wisdom of talking with the faction is not known.”
Taking pain on the dangerous trend of tribalism that was taking its toll on the Naga society, Imchen said this evil practice was destroying the Naga society and at the same time justice was relegated. “That is very unfortunate,” he rued adding, “The Nagas should learn how to live together and it is time we as elected legislators work and think above this ism.”
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