Dimapur, August 28 (MExN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has slammed the NPF spokesperson on what it terms as misleading statement on the Independence Day Speech of the Chief Minister. In response to the report that appeared in local media on August 28, the NDPP said, “It is difficult to understand the mindset of the NPF and its leadership when the party decides to respond to the Independence Day Speech of the Chief Minister without any intellectual content and lacking in any substantive facts, after close to two weeks of the speech being delivered.”
The NDPP in a statement issued by its Media & Communication Committee asserted that NPF has “no authority to raise the issue of transparency, accountability and VIP culture.”
“The Independence Day speech of the PDA Government was visionary, ground breaking and contained several new initiatives aimed at starting a new era of progressive development in Nagaland. However, it is also only a small glimpse of the new roadmap of development that the PDA Government has charted out for Nagaland in the near and coming future,” the response stated.
Pointing that "the changed scenario after removing the VIP culture, is there for everybody to see and experience and does not need any elaboration, it stated that "The PDA Government is against VIP culture and it will continue to take steps in removing the symbols and habits of VIP culture in every possible way.”
Keeping in mind the fact that the State is suffering from immense difficulties due to heavy rainfall which has adversely affected connectivity in many areas, the party further iterated stating that “it has left no stone unturned in its endeavour to carry out relief, rehabilitation and extend logistical support.” “Emergency services, disaster management teams, relief operations and humanitarian aid have been activated like never before," it added.
The statement also mentioned that all members of displaced families have been given relief and financial aid for 30 days as per NDMA guidelines and the NSDMA is carrying out assessment of damaged properties for onward submission to the higher authorities.
The NDPP, through the release rather asked the NPF to “appreciate” the PDA elected members, party officials and coalition parties for contributing one month’s salary towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and members of the PDA coordination committee for carrying out relief distribution activities including reaching out to the affected sections to take first hand reports of the response of the government agencies. “Aren’t we all in the service of the people and haven’t we committed to serve the public?” the party questioned.
Replying to the allegation made by the NPF against the party for failing in its assurance to repair roads within sixty days of its formation, it said that the exercise began on a “war footing and was progressing very well but challenges and conditions beyond anybody’s control came in the way of this enormous task.”
“The Lok Sabha elections imposed a model code of conduct for more than a month and the heavy incessant rains created havoc stopping all repair and renovation works as the government agencies and machineries were directed towards emergency and relief operations all over the State,” it recounted.
The party further assured that “it’s commitment of good roads will not go undone, however it is only appropriate that we first combat the calamities first and then wait for the rains to subside or else it will be wasteful effort and expenditure.”
On the matter of law and order, the release affirmed that the state has returned to an environment of peace and tranquility. “We have not allowed any situation to get out of hand and the government’s agencies will continue to remain alive to any given situation in close coordination with civil society,” it asserted.
The party also iterated that on the matter of agitations that have emerged, the PDA government is “assessing each issue in a just and impartial manner.”
“We will approach every issue without any favoritism and justice in a practical and realistic manner will be delivered so that all stakeholders are taken on board,” the party assured. “We are trying to streamline the system, restore good governance and ensure transparency,” it further added.
On the issue of ULB elections and women’s reservations, the release expressed that the PDA government has already “instituted a Cabinet Committee on Women’s Reservations and ULB elections and will take all stakeholders on board with extensive deliberations and discussions before any decision is taken. We will protect the interest, rights and culture of our people under all circumstances.”
It further added that a high-powered committee has been set-up to look into the matter of illegal immigrants and ILP, while “all necessary steps and mechanisms have been put in place to face any eventuality.”
“The PDA Government will make every possible effort to work for the welfare of the people and we are committed towards bringing positive change and we appeal to all sections of the people to come forward and partner us in the journey ahead,” it reassured.
