Reacting to NFHRCC’s attack, the minister of PWD (R&B), G. Kaito Aye, on Friday said he was “deeply hurt” by NFHRCC’s “personal vendetta on my personality”.
In a statement, Kaito said the state government remained committed to amicably resolve all concerns revolving around the Foothill Road construction in the interest of public welfare. However, he said that the “baseless accusations and character assaults with unjustified use of language” must be condemned in the strongest terms.
Minister said that ceremonial launch for commencement of work was the sole choice of the contractor. Kaito asserted that NFHRCC’s demand for an apology over the launching programme was “ill-conceived”, which he maintained neither required NFHRCC’s endorsement nor any theatrical demand for regret.
“I owe no apology. But should the project fail to deliver, I will personally apologize,” Kaito said. Kaito reminded NFHRCC that he was for the project and for the welfare of the people, not for their individual confrontation.
He advised NFHRCC to reflect on the weight of their words and cautioned to mind their language: “Public discourse thrives on civility not arrogance,” Kaito added.
Further, the minister said that in his long years of public service, he had been educated by the people of Nagaland—their aspirations, struggles and trust. “Respect is earned, not demanded. If your intent is truly for progress, redirect your energy towards solving challenges and not manufacturing them,” Kaito asserted. Meanwhile, the minister said the doors to his office remained open for discussion to resolve the issue amicably.