Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 16
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today urged the electorates of Mokokchung district to vote for the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate Tokheho Yepthomi in the Lok Sabha bye-election scheduled for May 28.
The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by his cabinet colleagues and coalition party members, addressed party workers and supporters at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung here today. Rio, a four time chief minister and also former Lok Sabha member, took a jibe at the opposition Naga People’s Front (NPF) party and said the opposition is divided into three groups.
In the NPF, he claimed, there is ‘Dr Shurhozelie group, Dr TR Zeliang group, and another group who wants to join the PDA Government’. In this regard, he asserted that the notion that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has a strong opposition party is a farce since the opposition is divided into groups.
“The PDA government is strong and is working towards the targeted goals of change and also for the settlement of the Naga political issue,” he maintained.
He further stated the PDA government’s stance for solution to the Naga political issue is that “settlement should be inclusive” and the NSCN (K) should also be brought into the dialogue table.
“The PDA government cannot dictate the NSCN (K) either to join the negotiating table or not but we strongly believe that the Naga issue should be inclusive,” Rio added.
The CM also said that the present PDA government is actively working towards the policy of insurance of Naga students by providing Rs 5 lakhs in case of contingencies. It also gives special emphasis on sports and the youths, it was noted.
He exuded hope that with public support and participation, the PDA government would be able to achieve its aims and together achieve the promises to the people.
Meanwhile, PDA candidate Tokheho Yepthomi, while speaking at the rally, said that his main priority – if elected – will be to hasten the Naga political issue so that it comes to an honorable conclusion.
Others who spoke at the programme were NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Tongpang Ozukum (Minister, PWD), Imnatiba (Advisor, Industries & Commerce), Imna Along Longkumer (Minister, H&TE), G Kaito (Minister), and BJP Nagaland president, Visasolie Lhoungu.
