Morung Express News
Kohima | September 24
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Tuesday questioned the Neiphiu Rio-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) on several fronts including the construction of National Highway, import of pigs and as well as the issue of law and order situation in the state.
On National Highway, the Party Spokesperson Achumbemo Kikon claimed that the project “materialised after much efforts during the government of TR Zeliang.”
“Today with this PDA government we are witnessing that instead of expediting the construction of the work, it has been derailed,” he alleged during a press conference here at the NPF Headquarters on September 24.
“On the one hand, there is a threat to the labourers. Every now and then there is a report that the people in the construction are being threatened. On the other hand, there is a group of those sublet contractors complaining that there is no fund and therefore the works are being delayed,” said Kikon.
‘Citizens of Nagaland deserve better roads’
Criticising the PDA government that despite the many talks on development especially on road development there has not been much progress, the spokesperson stated, “Instead of only talking, if they are serious on the road development, this is one project that needs attention and properly implemented.”
“The work has to be expedited and completed at the earliest. The citizens of Nagaland deserve better roads,” he remarked.
Where’s the money? NPF on proposed ‘import of pigs’
Criticising the government’s alleged proposal to import live pigs worth 200 crore annually from Punjab, Kikon further questioned the present government on the source of finance to import the pigs and the complications emerging between the departments of DUDA and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry.
“From where are they going to get the money and spend when we are living under extreme financial crisis?” asked the NPF Spokesperson.
He further cited the contradicting views between the two departments on the issue as “crystal clear” lack of “coordination in this government.”
According to the NPF, while the responsibility of importing pigs should have been accorded to the V&AH Department, the local entrepreneurs should be encouraged and supported by the government.
“Even from the health point of view, it will be hazardous to import any kind of meat from an unknown distance. If we are not learning lessons from such things when are we going to learn a lesson? Kikon posed, adding, “It involves our health and also the economy of the citizens.”
‘Even police officers are not safe’
Meanwhile, demanding the PDA government to deliver timely justice over the murder of Late Neiphretuo Metsieo, the NPF asked the government and law enforcing agency to deliver justice at the earliest ‘by way of expediting the trial and a befitting exemplary punishment as per the law of the land should be awarded’.
Criticising the government over the issue, the party said that none is safe “under the present PDA government.”
“The NPF party has been reminding the citizens of Nagaland that nobody is safe under this PDA government led by NDPP. When police officers are not even safe what do you expect of the common citizens? Where are we heading under this government?” Kikon noted.
“The longer this government continues, the more it poses a threat to the citizens.”
Although there are several cases of murders in Nagaland, Kikon also viewed that the murder of the police officer is a “serious case since the bounden duty of the police is to protect the citizens.”
The party spokesperson also paid due respect to the Late Imtikumzuk Longkumer, MLA & Advisor Sericulture and Excise who was also a former member of the party.
