Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized that the electoral process for the upcoming Lok Sabha election will proceed regardless of the participation of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO).
He said this while addressing the campaign rally for People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate Dr Chumben Murry, at LTC Hall, Wokha town, on Friday.
Rio said while the state government does not want any untoward incidents during the election, the election process should not be stalled. While asserting that there was a time for everything Rio stressed the importance of unity and collective action in finding the right representative for the Nagas.
According to Rio, the ENPO issue began with the submission of the first memorandum to the state government on November 25, 2010. In response, the state government established a fact-finding committee chaired by chief secretary, along with commissioner & secretary of Department of Under Developed Areas, to submit its report on the issue.
Rio said the report revealed several key findings. As per the report, he said the total population residing within the region under ENPO jurisdiction was 28.88%, which contradicted the earlier claim of 50%. The report also indicated that the land under their possession was to 33%, which included areas inhabited by the Eastern Sumi people.
Further, Rio highlighted that 17% of government employees hailed from the region, which significantly contradicted ENPO’s claim of only 3%. Moreover, when considering those serving in the police department and excluding the 9,000 village guards, the total number of government employees rose to 21%, he said. Rio also noted that there were 20 MLAs from the region, constituting 33% of the 60 seats, indicating that ENPO enjoyed more representation than warranted.
Rio emphasized the deficiencies in the region, citing limited road connectivity, low literacy rate, weak institutional support, and a need for better healthcare services. As a response to these challenges, he said a medical college has been established in Mon. He further noted that efforts were required to increase the per capita income, which was lower than the rest of the state.
Rio explained that taking note of these deficiencies, 25% of the 37% backward quota was allocated to ENPO, excluding those who qualify through merit. He highlighted that this allocation has contributed to their rapid growth.
Rio mentioned that the Centre rejected ENPO’s demand for a separate state, Union Territory, or Sixth Schedule status, citing the tribal status. However, he said the state government had recommended the formation of an autonomous council, which could potentially be granted to them.
“We are not against ENPO getting autonomous body because we have recommended and we will never go back on our words. However, they started saying they will not stay under the state but remain under the Governor who will make the rules for us, grant us funds and any report given would go to the President of India through the Governor who will be the go-between the state and the ENPO Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority” Rio said.
He said the government was averse to such arrangement as the elected government was supreme in the world’s largest democracy.
Rio said even the Central government had turned down the demand to have Nagaland under President’s or Governor’s Rule.
Rio further stated that there would be no amendment to Article 371A of the constitution. He explained that if the Act is taken to Parliament for amendment, it would result in the repeal of the law, leading to the implementation of the Centre’s policy, such as the Uniform Civil Code. Therefore, the request to amend the act would not be successful, he added.
“ENPO is still calling for boycott of the polls. We have made enough appeals. Even today, both PDA chairman and I have appealed. If they’re going to be angry with the state government and also government of India they who are they going to negotiate with and discuss their grievances,” CM said.
Stating that the ENPO had written a letter to the Election Commission regarding non-participation in the electoral process, Rio, however, said the ECI would not address their grievances.
In this regard Rio urged all to make ENPO reconsider and engage in constructive dialogue. He emphasized that decisions made in anger would only harm themselves.
PDA chairman Chingwang Konyak, while urging ENPO to sit across the table with the state government to work out an amicable solution, also said that non-participation in the electoral process would not yield any positive outcome.
Chingwang said Dr Chumben who is highly qualified and experienced, was the most suitable candidate, picked by the PDA partners as the consensus candidate to represent the Nagas effectively.
He said an MP in the parliament in support of the NDA would greatly benefit the state.
He also appealed to all the people to vote for Dr Murry with a resounding margin.
Dr. Chumben Murry, in his campaign speech, emphasized the importance of peace and development in politics, acknowledging CM Neiphiu Rio’s efforts in facilitating peace in the state. He sought prayer support from the people for the upcoming polls.
Deputy CM Y Patton thanked CM Rio for nominating a Lotha candidate for the Lok Sabha elections for the first time in 60 years. He urged all tribes to support their candidate for effective representation in Delhi.
The campaign programme was chaired by adviser, Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan.
Invocation was pronounced by pastor, Wokha Village Baptist Church, Rev O Thungben Kikon while welcome address was delivered by NDPP Wokha region, John Ezung.
A short speech was made by vice-chairman, Lotha Hoho, Mhathung Humtsoe while MLA, YM Humtsoe proposed the vote of thanks and R David Ngullie presented a special number.
Dr. Chumben right person to represent Nagaland: Rio
Correspondent
MOKOKCHUNG, APR 5 (NPN): State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has sought support for Dr. Chumben Murry, the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections to be held on April 19, 2024.
Addressing a mass rally at Mokokchung Town Hall, hosted by NDPP Mokokchung Region, here on Friday, Rio described Dr. Chumben Murry as a very experienced and capable person to represent the Nagas. “We feel that he is the right person to represent all of us in the parliament,” Rio said, adding that he would defend the Naga people’s social, culture, religion and identity.
Rio maintained that the present opposition-less PDA government in the state was possible due to the want for a solution to long protracted Naga issue. The chief minister, therefore, asserted that the Nagas must unite to have ‘One voice’ as the PDA government.
Rio also assured that the PDA government would stand for promotion and protection of the Naga’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, customary laws, religion and identity in accordance with laws enshrined in the constitution of India.
Also, speaking at the rally, Dr. Chumben Murry appealed to the people of Nagaland to offer him a chance to represent them in order to usher in peace, development and progress.
Further, PDA candidate assured that he would bear the burden to lessen Christian religious persecution in the country.
On PDA government’s decision to field him as consensus candidate, he said the sole reason was to unite and work for Naga political issue.
He asserted without Naga Political solution, there cannot be full fledged development in Nagaland.
Dr. Chumben added that a political affair committee would also be formed. “Although legislators cannot be negotiators, we will play the role of facilitators,” he added.
Dr. Murry assured that the next five years would be years of prosperity. He promised to represent sixty legislators and the whole of Naga population.
In his address, PDA chairman and NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak, stated that the decision of the ENPO to not participate in any state or central elections would only prove detrimental to ENPO.
Therefore, he appealed to the ENPO to withdraw their decision and participate in the upcoming election.
Earlier, short speeches were delivered Kuzholuzo Nienu, MLA, advisor Imkong L Imchen and Nuklutoshi, MLA. The rally was chaired by minister, Metsubo Jamir and special songs were presented by Women Organisation NDPP Mokokchung Region and Sayangpong. Vote of thanks was proposed by NDPP Mokokchung region president, Mayangnungba.