Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio. (File Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 27
Breaking his silence on the government’s July 7 office memorandum directing employees to reveal if their family members and relatives are in any Naga Political Groups, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio said the government “was left with no option but to carry out the direction following the Governor RN Ravi’s letter.”
Talking to media personnel this afternoon after the Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat, Rio said a clarification has already been issued for public consumption in this regard.
When reporters queried on the sudden issue of the order and pointed out that this the first time the government has made such a move, Rio said the first letter from the Governor was received on February 14 directing that the filled-up format be submitted before April 2.
“We didn’t do it,” the Chief Minister said, but with the reminder letter from the Governor’s office on June 24, as well as the letter on the ‘collapsed law and order’ situation in the state, he maintained that the government was left with no option but to carry out the direction.
Stating that the state government does not want to “confront or disagree” on this matter, Rio said “We need to work together to bring settlement because it’s the desire of the people.”
He also assured that with the state government as the representative; the Cabinet has no differences. “In this Naga political issue, the opposition and ruling came together under Joint Legislators Forum. We are one and we have no difference,” he maintained.