Nagaland: NPCC raps Himanta over ‘derogatory’ remarks on Gogoi

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Wednesday strongly criticized Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged derogatory remarks against Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan, NPCC working president C. Apok Jamir said political leaders must uphold the Constitution and election guidelines, stressing that the Congress party remained committed to democratic values and the country’s diverse social fabric. He described Sarma’s alleged personal attacks on Gogoi and his family as unacceptable, particularly from a leader sworn to protect constitutional principles.
Jamir accused the BJP government of “flaunting” the Constitution while resorting to personal attacks. Drawing an analogy, he said leaders should not “punch below the belt,” adding that targeting family members reflected a deteriorating political environment. He further alleged that opposition voices were being stifled, warning that curbing fundamental rights was a matter of grave concern.
With Assam’s legislative assembly elections approaching, Jamir expressed concern over divisive rhetoric and the targeting of minority communities, calling it a “dangerous sign” for the region.
He urged people across Assam and the Northeast to resist divisive tendencies and safeguard their rights and freedoms.
NPCC social media vice chairman Kumjimong echoed similar sentiments, accusing Sarma of engaging in divisive politics and character assassination for electoral gain. He extended support to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and its president Gaurav Gogoi.
NPCC media vice-chairman Andrew Humtsoe added that allegations must be backed by evidence, remarking that “character assassination is not politics.” He cautioned against a political culture where defamation replaces substantive debate, stating, “Democracy deserves debate, not defamation.”
Responding to queries about Sarma’s Rs.500 crore defamation suit against Gogoi, Jamir said the legal action was Sarma’s prerogative. However, he maintained that broader allegations of corruption, including land-related issues and tribal concerns, remained matters of public importance. He expressed confidence that “truth will ultimately prevail” through due legal process.
Meanwhile, NPCC urged the Government of India to expedite resolution of the long-pending Naga political issue. Jamir said concerns voiced by senior leaders and grassroots communities about delays in peace talks were “not healthy or credible” for the process, emphasizing the need for timely progress.