Rising People’s Party (RPP) president Joel Naga (centre), flanked by Vitho Zao, vice president (left) and Zhokhoi Chuzho, youth president (right) during the press conference (Morung Photo).
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 7
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the appointment of Abdul Kayum Talukdar as the Gaon Bura (GB) of New Market, Dimapur and issue of a show cause notice to Rising People’s Party (RPP) president, Joel Naga by the Dimapur District GB Association president, Hokuto Zhimomi, Joel Naga on Saturday said no such ‘show cause’ notice has been received by him or the party.
Addressing a press conference here in Dimapur, the RPP president questioned the motive behind this while reasoning that he was only expressing his personal opinion. Joel was accompanied by party members, Vitho Zao, vice president and Zhokhoi Chuzho, youth president.
The RPP president, during a recent interview, had questioned the legality and relevance of GBs in urban areas of Nagaland, which followed with the Dimapur District GB Association, president K Hokuto Zhimomi announcing during interview in digital media that a show cause notice has been sent to Joel over the supposed defamatory remark.
“We are living in a democratic country and therefore I gave my opinion as a citizen, as a Naga of this state,” Joel said. He also said the issue was getting diverted. “The issue is not about me, now we are fighting amongst ourselves and the issue is getting lost.”
At a time when Nagas ought to be united as one, irrespective of affiliation over the issue of illegal immigration, Joel lamented that the conversation has turned into an embarrassment and is rife with confusion. “We don’t want this confusion to prolong, whether it be a political party, or a GB or any organization we are all concerned for the welfare of our society,” he maintained.
In addition, he said, “The issue of illegal immigrant is a ticking time-bomb... it is just that the RPP have brought it out into the public domain once again.” He also said the state government was equally culpable on this matter and therefore they should come out with their own statement.
On question of whether he would respond to the show cause notice reportedly issued by the DDGBA president, he viewed that showcase notice can only be issued to one’s own party member or organisation. So the question of going to the GBs does not arise.
RTIs to be filed to know the truth
The RPP president also announced that the party will be filling Right to Information (RTIs) in several of the government departments, including the DC’s office, statistical office, district transfer office and the Dimapur Municipal Council.
“How many resident certificates, birth certificates, drive or trade licences have been issued to outsiders, we will release it in the public domain,” he said.
