In this image the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio along with his council of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and advisors are seen at the Chief Minister’s Banquet Hall, Kohima after their swearing-in on March 5. (Morung Photo/Chizokho Vero)
Finding ‘honourable solution’ to Naga political issue top most priority: Rio
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 5
A 12-member cabinet for the NPF led DAN III was sworn in by Governor Nikhil Kumar at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on Tuesday.
Finalization of the cabinet team comes after days of brain storming and strenuous meetings with the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF top leaders and three senior ministers.
Governor Nikhil Kumar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 63-year-old chief minister, followed by his ministers, Noke Konyak, T. R. Zeliang, G. Kaito Aye, Imkong L. Imchen, Kuzholuzo Nienu, Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Yanthungo Patton, CM Chang, E E Pangteang, S Pangyuh Phom and R Merentoshi Jamir.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by all the elected members of NPF, DAN alliance partners BJP and JD (U), Independent candidates, NPF party leaders and bureaucrats.
Later in the day Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio administered the oath of secrecy to 21 parliamentary secretaries and one advisor here at the CM’s Banquet Hall. Out of the 21 parliamentary secretaries, 19 went in favor of the NPF while one each was given to its alliance partners BJP and JD (U). Naiba Konyak (NPF) from 55 Tobu A/C was given advisor DUDA (Cabinet status).
Those who have been left out during Tuesday’s swearing-in of cabinet and Parliamentary Secretaries include: Chotisuh Sazo (18 Chozouba), P. Longon (56 Noklak), Khriehu Liezietsu (10 Northern Angami I), Dr. Longrineken (29 Jangpetkong) and N. Thongwang (46 Mon Town).
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has iterated that the top-most priority of the newly formed NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government is to strive towards finding an honourable solution to the Naga political issue.
The Chief Minister said the commitment, policy and vision of the 50-year-old regional Naga People’s Front for the Naga issue has remained consistent since 1963 and the first agenda of the third DAN government will be to bring lasting solution to the Naga problem.
Addressing the media after the swearing-in ceremony of Parliamentary Secretaries and others here at Chief Minister’s Banquet Hall Tuesday evening, Rio said that another thrust area of his government is all-round development, which the DAN had been pursuing for the past 10 years. “Ten years down the line, we have worked ceaselessly. Our report card has brought us back,” Rio said.
Queried on the factors taken into consideration while deciding allocation of Ministerial and Parliamentary Secretary berths, the Chief Minister said the present Ministry is a “mixed bag” and factors like tribes, districts, youth representation were taken into account.
On non-representation of Dimapur and Kiphire districts in the Cabinet, the Chief Minister said Dimapur is “everybody’s district” and two party candidates have been given Parliamentary Secretary posts. He also said people should not feel that the district has been left behind. Rio did not comment on Kiphire district, one of the remotest districts bordering Myanmar.
On increase in number of Parliamentary Secretaries from 13 in the last government to 21 this time, Rio said that all elected NPF and DAN alliance candidates are “energetic and capable” and so the posts were increased to give them a chance to prove their worth. He dismissed suggestions that Parliamentary Secretary seats were increased to avoid dissensions among elected candidates.
On induction of first timer Merentoshi R Jamir in the 12-member Cabinet despite the party having senior candidates who have won for the third consecutive term, Rio said that DAN government is a “youth friendly” government and would like to encourage youths to take up challenges. Merentoshi is the son of State Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir.
