Dimapur, October 15 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Front (NPF) today attacked Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on various Sports development projects in the state.
NPF in a press statement issued by its Press Bureau, Stating that Rio failed to implement a new Nagaland State Sports Policy in the State within 100 days time, the NPF alleged that the CM’s “intention to bring all Sports Associations and Federations in the State under the Nagaland Olympic Association, where he has been the permanent President since the year 2003, is a self-seeking initiative for wealth accumulation.“
“What otherwise explains the massive price escalation of Cricket Stadium at Sovima from Rs. 25 Crore to Rs 75 Crore which was executed by his close kith and kins in the guise of promoting Sports in the State?” the party questioned.
“Even the land initially donated for construction of the Stadium by Rio was later compensated at a startling value of Rs. 35 per sq. ft. against the prevailing price of Rs. 11 per sq. ft. in that area then. To top it all, it is learnt that more Fund is being allotted for the said Stadium yet again,” the party disclosed.
The party also alleged Rio on the construction of Multi-Disciplinary Sports Centre (Stadium) at DC Court area, Dimapur allotted to one of his close associates commenced some 15 years back and remains incomplete till today.
“The plan to set up a Sports University as per its Common Minimum Programme (CMP) released in May 2018 is another wealth-accumulation tactic of Neiphiu Rio,” the release also stated.
The NPF also asked Rio to “instead of harping on a new Sports Policy, “bring to light the status of five Projects amounting to Rs 31.05 Crore meant for Sports infrastructure development in the State.”
It also asked Rio on how he managed to obtain Rs. 3.5 Crore for conducting the 1st Nagaland Olympics held at Dimapur in 2017 and the total expenses incurred on awards, accommodation, food, transport.”
