Dimapur, January 3 (MExN): Carrying forward old ethics into the New Year, the ruling NPF has responded to NPCC’s allegations through a press release issued today. The NPF’s press and media bureau has said that Congress leaders are “agents of outsiders imposing alien cultures upon the Nagas, always trying to suppress the voice of the masses by misusing the powers of its high command to rule”.
Calling the NPCC’s statements absurd, the NPF said that the Planning Minister represented the Chief Minister at the National Development Council (NDC) Meeting in New Delhi only this year in view of already scheduled important engagements. The report and speech tabled by T.R. Zeliang, according to the NPF, had the approval and clearance of the Chief Minister. “Therefore, the question of the Chief Minister not giving importance to the economic development of the State just does not arise,” said NPF, adding that the State has witnessed tremendous economic growth and development under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio.
NPF also mentioned that Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Manipur did not attend the meeting. “In the case of Manipur which is a Congress ruled State only the Chief Secretary, and not even a Minister attended,” the party stated.
The NPF also expressed shock over Congress using god’s name for political mileage, which expresses the “frustrated and desperate state of mind” that the Congress is in, said the NPF release. It has reiterated that “invoking God’s blessing by Naga elders in traditional attire is not anti-Christian in any manner”.
With regards the role of the church, the NPF said, “the Church has always played a contributory role in the political movement, and the NPF, while respecting this aspect, has given high importance to the church organisations in every aspect. Consecutive NPF led DAN Governments have regularly had consultations with the Church, irrespective of denominations, and the views and submissions of the Church organisations have always been given prominent weightage”.
Defending its position, the NPF held that the State’s finances are being managed in an “exemplary manner” and “visionary leadership, accelerated development and people friendly policies and programmes have ensured a State Government that is connected with the people and the grass roots”.
