Kohima, April 17 (MExN): Kohima Village Gazetted Officers’ Association (KVGOA) today stated it was “deeply hurt and disturbed” by the news item ‘NPF alleges misuse, favouritism in MNREGA fund distribution’, which was published on April 13.
The association condemned what it called “the character assassination” of its former president and bonafide member, the Principal Secretary, Rural Department, Government of Nagaland. A statement from KVGOA president, Er. Keviletuo Yiese and general secretary, Er. Medozhazo Rutsa stated that the officer in question is “known to be an efficient and upright officer.”
Under the guise of attacking the PDA Government, the Principal Secretary has been made a “scapegoat” and “certain unfounded serious allegations leveled against him,” it maintained.
KVGOA stated “there is no question of favoritism or nepotism, when the said officer hails from Kohima village.” On the contrary, it said, if as alleged he has been biased to Kuda Village, one of the oldest settlements in Dimapur with a multi tribe/ethnicity composition, the public should be lauding his efforts for wanting to bring much needed development in Dimapur district, particularly the village through which one of the main arterial roads pass through. “But tarnishing the good image of the officer in media with unsubstantiated allegations needs to be condemned by one and all,” the association asserted.
Stating that it firmly stands by its member, KVGOA further cautioned any party, organisation or individual not to resort to “character assassinate” with false allegation in the future.
“Responsible political party should refrain from setting dangerous precedent of making personal accusations against an in-service officer, if only to take a shot against a rival party. While a strong opposition can raise substantiated issues against Government, it is not healthy to level personal attacks against an individual government employee,” it added.
