Pochury frontal organizations express displeasure
Dimapur, March 7 (MExN): Expressing “anguish and displeasure” at the manner in which the cabinet berths and portfolios were distributed in the new government, six frontal organizations of the Pochury remain hopeful that the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio “will take some corrective measures to redeem his image as true impartial statesman.”
In a joint statement issued led by the President of the Pochury Public Forum along with the presidents of PSU, PHK, GB Union, PUDD and PWOK, the organizations stated that though the Meluri Assembly Constituency is the second largest constituency in Nagaland in terms of geographical area, covering 60% of Phek district, the Pochury is the only tribe so far “not allotted the cabinet berth nor major portfolio,” since the inception of Nagaland state.
While emphasizing that the Pochury people are “not demanding cabinet berth out of turn,” the organizations, pointed out that Yitachu’s “efficiency, capability and his seniority among the elected members,” makes him deserving. It expressed total disbelief that “contrary to all justice and fairness” neither a “cabinet nor an appropriate portfolio” was allotted to Yitachu. It may be recalled that Yitachu was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry in the DAN III government.
Stating that it was the chief minister’s prerogative to allocate cabinet berths and portfolios, the organizations said, the “Nagas in general and the people of Pochury in particular expected Mr. Rio to take decision based on justice and fairness.” The organizations, however, alleged that cabinet berths and major portfolios were allocated to first timers, denying senior parliamentary secretaries; and lamented that they were distributed based on “favoritism and nepotism, which is obvious to the whole Nagas.” This, they claimed, had dented Rio’s own image and popularity. In light of these unfolding events, the Pochury organizations expressed “hope” that Rio will take corrective measures to redeem his image as true impartial statesman.
