Foundation stone for Dr. T. Ao Football Academy in Seithekima
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday, expressed the belief that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was only carrying out its job in collecting evidence against several departments over deduction of money for alleged terror funding.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday, expressed the belief that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was only carrying out its job in collecting evidence against several departments over deduction of money for alleged terror funding.
The chief minister was interacting with media persons on the sidelines of a felicitation programme held in his honour at Chiephobozou. Rio said NIA had come to the Nagaland neither with the knowledge or consent of the state government. He said this in response to queries posed by media over the NIA probe on several officials under the CMO and also the summons issued on former chief minister and current opposition leader T.R. Zeliang.
On CANSSEA’s demand that NIA withdraw the probe, Rio opined that NIA had begun probe over alleged terror funding in 2016. He also said though he was unaware of what the Zeliang ministry had done, he (Rio) would look into the entire issue. It may be recalled that CANSSEA had demanded suspension of the probes against the backdrop of summons and arrests of some government officials over alleged payment of illegal taxation to NNPGs.
Meanwhile, the chief minister also informed media persons that he would be laying the foundation stone for the Dr. T. Ao Football Academy at Seithekema in the current month of April.
Rio recalled that during his tenure as chief minister, the state government had acquired land at Seithekima for construction of Dr. T. Ao Football Academy. He said Rs. 90 lakh was also released for the purpose.
However, after he left for Delhi, Rio said the previous government shifted the academy to Niuland but that the proposal could not get through. Rio also disclosed that since NEC has given around Rs. 13 crore and another Rs. 15 crore by Tata Trust, the project would now be carried out.
On the issue of renaming Indira Gandhi Stadium to Dr. T. Ao stadium, Rio clarified that it was only a proposal but in the light of strong objections, the decision would be reviewed.
The chief minister also disclosed that a private firm from Australia, as part of Corporate Social Responsibility, was willing to provide an air ambulance for the interior areas of Nagaland for free, provided the villagers agree to part with 500 meters of land for construction of a runway.
Describing the initiative as “a welcome step”, Rio said a committee has been set up to oversee the matter and the Australian company would be visiting the state this month to discuss the possibility of the project. He said it was indeed a welcome move that the firm would be “bringing its own plane and pilot and give free ambulance service.”.
Rio also added that the only condition was that the villagers would have to provide land. The chief minister said that the state will be allocating grants from the Village Development Board (VDB) funds for the construction of a runway. He also informed that on the occasion of Communization Day on April 24, VDB allocation would be distributed, which was not done for the last two to three years.
On NPF’s accusation of fund diversion for roads, Rio said as opposition they will be raising objections and complaints even on non-issues. He maintained that the question of diversion of funds from road projects did not arise.
Rio explained that where there was some money which was not utilized and where works did not have administrative approval nor work orders, NPF cannot say funds were diverted.
Asked about the appointment of advisors and chairman, Rio said the MLAs were elected to work for the people and so “should not be kept idle”.