Various organizations have strongly condemned the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) for making “irresponsible and defamatory remarks” against their local MLAs– minister for Roads & Bridges G. Kaito Aye and Achumbemo Kikon– and have demanded a retraction and public apology.
WSRPU: Western Satoi Range Public Union (WSRPU) has strongly condemned the recent remarks made by NFHRCC against PWD (R&B) minister G. Kaito Aye, calling the allegations unjustified and defamatory. In a statement, WSRPU stated that NFHRCC’s accusations were misleading and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of one of the seniormost members of the State Assembly, adding that Kaito Aye has consistently worked for the welfare of the state.
WSRPU also dismissed NFHRCC’s claims that the minister was unaware of his department and the history of Foothill Road Project. This remark was not only an undermining statement but also demeaning the stature of a person who has been elected to the assembly for seven consecutive terms and has played a significant role in ensuring the success of major infrastructure initiatives in the state.
Further, the union highlighted that project implementation must follow legal and administrative protocols, emphasizing that the minister has acted within the framework of government regulations to ensure judicious implementation of the people’s project.
While acknowledging NFHRCC’s dedication to the project, WSRPU asserted that this did not justify what it described as “character assassination, misinformation, or unwarranted public vilification.”
As a bona fide member of WSRPU, the union demanded that NFHRCC immediately retract its statements and issue a public apology to minister Aye and to ensure that such baseless attacks were not repeated, which has not only hurt the minister’s reputation but also the people he represents.
WSRPU reaffirmed its unwavering support for minister Kaito Aye’s leadership and stated its commitment to defending the integrity and dignity of public servants working for Nagaland’s progress.
Vanguard 40 Bhandari A/C: The Vanguard 40 Bhandari A/C has also strongly condemned the statement issued by the NFHRCC, which referred to Achumbemo Kikon as “a mere MLA without a portfolio.”
In a press release, Vanguard 40 Bhandari A/C convenor Nyamo Z Yanthan termed the remark as “misleading, irresponsible, and a clear attempt at character assassination.”
It stated that Kikon is a duly elected representative of the 40 Bhandari A/C, and such “derogatory remarks” undermine the democratic mandate he holds, irrespective of ministerial status.
The organization criticized NFHRCC for its unwarranted statement and asserted that it was not just an insult to Achumbemo Kikon but also to the democratic process and the people of 40 Bhandari A/C.
The organization demanded that NFHRCC immediately retract its press statement and issue a public apology. Failing which, the organization said it would be compelled to pursue legal recourse for defamation and the deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the MLA.
It further urged responsible organizations to engage in constructive dialogue instead of resorting to baseless and defamatory statements that mislead the public and damage reputations.
NGRC-1CU: The Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors Union (NGRC-1CU) has expressed astonishment over NFHCC pressuring contractors involved in the foothill road project to sign separate agreements with the committee.
In a statement, NGRC-1CU president Theyiekielie Tachü and Legal advisor Vitsorel Lcho, asserted that contract agreements are traditionally signed between the contractor and the concerned government department. It emphasized that these agreements, drafted with due diligence by the government, serve as the definitive legal documents governing project execution, quality standards, and payment terms.
The union reaffirmed that contractors awarded the foothill road project were committed to executing the work diligently and sincerely. It warned that the involvement of any other organization, especially through coercive means, could create unnecessary confusion and hinder the successful implementation of the dream project.
While NGRC-1CU stated that it had no objection to contractors voluntarily entering into additional agreements with NFHRCC, it urged the committee to refrain from forcing unwilling contractors to do so, cautioning that such a move would set a bad precedent for future projects.
The union acknowledged NFHRCC’s objective of monitoring project progress and encouraged its continued vigilance. However, it called upon the committee to respect contractors’ autonomy and avoid imposing undue pressure on those unwilling to sign a separate agreement.
SUD: While appreciating the NFHRCC for its role as a pressure group and sacrificing their time and resources for timely completion of the extraordinary Foothills Road project which the state government has undertaken for the benefit of all, SUD termed it as unbecoming of NFHRCC for “maliciously” undermining their senior most leader and politician who had been serving the Nagas for more than five decades.
The union said that NFHRCC’s comment, alleging that “the minister was not capable of understanding the concept of the Foothills Road till date” and that “it now has no option but to appeal to the Chief Minister to intervene and educate the minister in-charge through all means,” amounted to character assassination and humiliating the leader.
The union said it was deeply hurt by the statement and condemned the use of unconstitutional language and urged all organizations to maintain decorum when addressing public figures.
While acknowledging that it was the right of any association, unions or committee to raise impending issues, SUD, however said that such right should not be misused, which will have far reaching consequences.
The statement was issued by SUD president Hukato Muru, general secretary Obeka Zhimomi, vice president Bokato Zhimomi, and Ihovi Zhimomi.
VDBSA: VDB Secretary Association (VDBSA) of RD Block Changpang, under 40 Bhandari Assembly Constituency (A/C), has strongly condemned the recent remarks made by NFHRCC against Achumbemo Kikon, MLA.
In a statement, VDBSA president Sentsudy P.B. Sen Yanthan and general secretary Puloto G. Awomi, termed NFHRCC’s statement– calling Kikon a “mere MLA without a portfolio”– as arrogant and disrespectful, unbecoming of an organization of NFHRCC’s stature.
VDBSA maintained that any sensible leader would refrain from making “reckless and ungrateful” statements in the public domain. It asserted that insulting a democratically elected representative was an affront to democracy and the electorate of 40 Bhandari A/C.
While acknowledging NFHRCC’s commitment to ensuring quality workmanship in the Foothill Road construction, the association said the committee’s remarks had deeply hurt the sentiments of the constituency’s people. It stressed that a people’s mandate and chosen representative must be treated with due respect and sincerity.
Describing Achumbemo Kikon as one of the finest and most capable leaders the constituency ahs ever produced, VDBSA stated that he had tirelessly dedicated himself to the welfare of the people since his election, declaring that it would not tolerate any attempt to malign his reputation for their convenience.
VDBSA further asserted that any organization lacking vision or led by individuals with a “naive mentality” should never be allowed to lead the Nagas, but reflect, analyze, and exercise caution before making public statements.