Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (L) and NPF President Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu (R) addressing public rallies on October 26. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | October 27
With less than a week to go until bye-elections, both the ruling PDA government's consensus candidate Medo Yhokha and opposition Naga People's Front's Kikovi Kirha addressed boisterous rallies in 14-Southern Angami - I Assembly Constituency in the last few days while the lone Independent contester Seyievilie Peter remained low-key.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who was speaking at Mima and Kigwema village stressed on the need to work for an early solution of the Naga political issue linking it to major issues and underdevelopment in the state. "Our economy is very weak because we do not know how to give back and we have been spoilt by dependency," he maintained while calling the need to discuss the economy in depth.
He stated that the delimitation process is in progress for a positive outcome adding districts having excess number of constituencies will be deducted while those with lesser constituencies would be increased according to the proper demarcation.
"The government of India had recognized the unique history, culture and traditions of the Nagas," he said adding that they are striving to bring peace, development and a secured future for the future generation.
Therefore, he asked the people to empower the ruling government which would look into the welfare of the Nagas by giving their votes to the NDPP consensus candidate to back up the government which is currently facing crucial issues of the Nagas with the Centre.
President of the opposition party, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu on October 26 addressing a mammoth gathering in the candidate's native village- Jakhama said that it was the right time for the people of Jakhama to unite and vote for Kirha stating that Jakhama village despite comprising the highest number of electorates in the constituency has not had an MLA for 13 years.
He also appraised that the opposition play an important and equal role as the ruling party adding that NPF party as the second oldest regional party in the country, has been formed out of necessity for the interest of Nagas where the party is deeply rooted in the history of the Naga people.
Taking a jibe on Rio calling the Naga People’s Front party and leaders dead, he said Rio was also part of the NPF but due to his wrong deeds, left the party.
TR Zeliang also slammed the ruling PDA government over failing to implement centre approved road projects in Kohima and Dimapur including 6 highways during the leadership of the DAN government. He also stated that the two-lane road project in the southern Angami region had not been done in consultation of the people however he said that the people has no voice because both the MLAs are puppets of the government. "We have to question the government, he appealed.
The tender, Zeliang said, was however cancelled citing administrative reasons and the PDA government appointed a new consultant and decided to construct a two-lane road only. Till date no report of the enquiry has been giving, he alleged.
On the Naga political issue, he said that during the latest meeting with the centre, the home minister appealed the PDA government and opposition government to work together for solution and convince the NNPGs to come to a consensus.
Zeliang also commented on Rio's statement that a separate flag and constitution is being discussed which however has not been assured by the centre but Intelligence Bureau is working out and discussing with the NSCN (IM) and 7 NNPGs.
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