Dimapur, August 12 (MExN): The tag-o-war between supporters of Parliamentary Secretary Nkhao Lotha and EKyimo Kikon, ex-JD (U) candidate from Sanis 39 A/C, under Wokha seems to be snowballing into a major contention with various statements of both support and defection to each others’ camp as well as allegations and counter-allegations being issued to the press since the last three weeks.
In a latest missive, Kikon’s camp have hit back at the Pangti NPF’s lauding the Parliamentary Secretary for various claimed development works in the Pangti/Sungro/Sanis areas. The candidate’s Personal Secretary P Roland Ezung clarified thus: that the Mangmetong-Doyang road via Pangti village paved under PMGSY scheme was actually initiated by Minister Imkong Imchen and Achum Ngullie, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland and not by Nkhao Lotha as claimed. “It is very shameful claiming the achievement and developmental activities brushing aside other for his master who is only a dreamer for development” stated a clarification. Also, the Pangti-Hayeili road was paved in the early 1970s by the Agriculture Department and since 1984 it was under the maintenance of the PWD, it was claimed, and for which “by merely clearing the jungle is not called an achievement or agri-link road”. It was informed that the agri-link road was taken up during Minister Huska Sumi’s tenure and initiated by Y Ekyimo Kikon under a 2004-2005 scheme. It was supposed to be paved anew but was “adjusted in the PWD road and it is done only jungle clearance” it was added.
Further, in regard to the Sungro Police station, Kikon’s camp had this to say: “Sungro Police station is like more or less a piggery farm or pigpen (pig sty) then how can the officer-in-charge and his associates discharge their duties efficiently if the office is in deplorable condition” it questioned while adding that it was completed last year but yet to be inaugurated and that the concern department was well aware of the condition of the said station.
In regard to retired DB Nbemo Ngullie, it was asserted that he has vast experience in politics and has leadership qualities playing a vital role in Nkhao Lotha’s campaign in the 2003 General elections. However he could not see any development achievement under Lotha’s three and half year’s tenure. Taking into account all these contentions, the Kikon camp asked the Pangti NPF to play a constructive role rather than play ‘destructive politics.’
In a related matter, the Okotso Village Council has repudiated its Chairman Yisansao Shitiri’s extending support to Ekyimo Kikon on behalf of the council. While expressing surprise at the statement of its chairman, the council “wondered when and where such decision was adopted,” without the knowledge of GBs or council members. “Okotso Village Council members and the villagers in general have no objection to anybody appreciating or invoking blessing, wishing for the best of someone’s future endeavour. Nevertheless, it is felt that clarification is imperative” stated a release from the Okotso Council through GB & VCM Mzamo Murry, Head GB A Yampo Ngully and Secretary Nchunmthung Ngully. It was clarified: that “as a measure to desist from evils, malpractices and divisive features even in the village level elections and to uphold the age-old tradition of tranquility and secure coexistence in Christian faith, the VCMs of this village are first selected/elected by their clans as their representatives such as Ngully, Shitiri, Merry and Murry and the Chairman, Okotso Village Council rotates these clans as the constituent populace of Okotso village; that the exercise is done on expiry of tenure as per government directive or notification and the Chairman-elect is proposed by the clan (next) in line for chairmanship subject to qualification of VCM selection/election as above; that to assess the efficiency and credibility or to caution or discipline, a chairman of Okotso village, if need be thus is the onus of the representative clan (in the ‘chair’) and council members in particular and all members whose ancestors are from Okotso village in general”.
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