Dimapur, Nov 1 (MExN): K Therie, MLA and former Finance Minister in the DAN Cabinet is convinced that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has betrayed the Common Minimum Programme (CMP), the “people’s program” on which the NPF piggy-backed to power with the DAN coalition. The MLA, reacting to the statement of Rio – “unlike him, I resigned and followed the righteous path” – also asserted that the policy of equi-closeness has been ‘misused’.
“I had fought the tallest standing leader and Congress government who had the support of 58 MLAs in the last general election; it was not wealth or power but it was the issues which were raised in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of DAN that has given victory in the last general elections” K Therie stated in a rejoinder. “However, Mr Rio has betrayed the CMP and decided to facilitate and support the ongoing peace process. He has misused the equi-closeness policy and has earned ire from many quarters” the MLA asserted. “Non fulfillment of the commitments made to the people of Nagaland will be the waterloo of Dan in the forthcoming general elections” Therie predicted.
On the issue of factional clashes, Therie found no logic in Rio’s stand that they are a political and not a law and order problem. “To my understanding the political conflict is in between GoI and the Nagas. The noble cause for a sovereign Naga nation cannot be fought out in between the factions and therefore, factional clashes are not a political problem” Therie asserted adding that “under Rio’s leadership in four years’ time, factional clashes have increased day-by-day, month-by-month and year-by-year” which is the “evidence of failure of his policies”.
In regard to Rio’s comment on resigning from the Congress, Therie had this to say: “Unlike my friend, I have not resigned ditching anybody. Perhaps he has resigned twice ditching the Congress and I do not know whether they take him as a ‘deserter’ or as someone who has ‘ditched’ the Congress and chosen the righteous path”. He affirmed belief in transparency in making policy decisions and that when somebody differs, discord is bound to arise. “Similarly, when I did not agree with the Congress in respect to the closed chapter of ‘Bedrock of Naga society’, I was expelled. I have been kept under suspension by the NPF for I stand on the policy of ‘one man, one post’ and reconciliation for a united view to secure a negotiated settlement” the MLA stated.
