Mokokchung, July 4 (MExN): In response to the press release issued by the Lotha Students Union (LSU) and Lotha Hoho on June 26, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Mokokchung Region said that the allegation on Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for forwarding the decision of the State Cabinet for the postponement of the present notification of delimitation exercise in his own capacity is completely unfounded and insensible.
The CM exercised his duty on behalf of the State government but not on his own interest as alleged by the two bodies, NDPP Mokokchung, President, N Bendang Jamir and General Secretary, S Bendang Aier stated in a rejoinder. NDPP Mokokchung expressed that it is very much “imprudent” on the part of the two bodies to term the decision of the State Cabinet as the decision of a ‘few vested individuals’ and also terming it as ‘unfair and tribalistic attitude’ is “unfortunate and immature.”
Giving an account of the sequence of events, the party stated that it was discussed and agreed upon in the Cabinet meeting held on March 2, 2020 and the same was conveyed to the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs GoI by the Principal Secretary, Home GoN on March 4, 2020 for special consideration. Thereafter, the CM while addressing the 45th general conference of Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) on March 5, 2020 at RCEMPA Jotsoma stated “the State Cabinet was of the view that since the Naga Political issue is in very advance stage for the final solution and also anticipated increase of Assembly Constituencies this delimitation exercise should be deferred.” Subsequently, on March 12, the CM wrote to Amit Shah, Union Home Minister that “the delimitation exercise on the basis of 2001 census at this crucial juncture is not advisable and it is recommended that the process may be kept in abeyance for some time.”
Under the given reason and circumstances, NDPP Mokokchung Region stated that the “CM and the State BJP President has not taken any deceitful step to hurt the sentiments of any particular tribe or individuals at any point of time.”
