People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government has said while it appreciated and welcomed constructive criticism, it was unbecoming of responsible parties and senior leaders to make wild allegations without any authenticity merely to get media attention.
Reacting to press releases and statements being made by opposition parties of late criticising the government and making several allegations, the ruling coalition in a press release termed the mention of “starvation war” in a statement as worrisome as this was akin to inciting public feelings and actions towards possible disorderly acts and chaos in society.
It said responsible citizens of the State could judge such irresponsible conduct coming from those claiming to be responsible parties and senior leaders.
Despite implementing lockdown, the PDA claimed to have made all possible efforts to ensure that economic activities were not severely hampered. It pointed out that national highways, inter-district movements, economic activities, construction works and essential services were allowed to continue by adhering to SOPs, while home deliveries, courier services, hardware establishments, movement of construction materials, etc, were all permitted.
Similarly, government offices and public establishments functioned by strictly following SOPs so that there were no shortfalls in administration and governance. Admitting that restrictions did cause inconveniences, the government claimed that all possible efforts were made to ensure that economic activities were not completely shut down.
The government further claimed to have made arrangements throughout the State to address any issue of distressed people under the aegis of district task forces (DTFs).
Mentioning that DTFs were formed in every district, in which elected members of both the treasury and opposition benches and representatives of civil society organisations too were included, since the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the government said any concerns could have been transparently addressed through DTFs instead of making unconfirmed allegations though the media.
The PDA clarified that it deliberately abstained from being drawn into any media confrontation as this was not only undesired during such a time of global crisis but also irresponsible to instigate a media war for mere publicity.
Pointing out there were forums and avenues to address all concerns and claiming that it was operating on a war-footing against the pandemic in a transparent manner, the government said details of financial management and usage of public funds were all available on websites of the departments concerned, adding there were also democratic avenues though platforms like RTI.
Acknowledging that it was the government’s bounden duty to carry out its duties transparently, the release emphasised that it was also the responsibility of those questioning to ensure that allegations were substantiated and based on facts.
“Statements should not be made just for the sake of criticism or for creation of sensationalism, especially at a time like now, when we all need to unite as one to overcome the challenges that we face every hour,” the release added.
The government said it appreciated the constructive suggestions and highlighting of the challenges by opposition, claiming that the departments concerned were also seriously following up on the matters that have been flagged. However, it added that the situation demanded that responsible parties and senior leaders should conduct themselves accordingly if they were to win the respect of the masses.
Expressing its sincere condolences to all those who lost their loved ones during the pandemic, the PDA government also appreciated frontline workers who continue to work day and night for everyone’s safety and all sections of the people for their extending their positive cooperation in observing the lockdown, thereby contributing to lowering the pandemic graph in the State.
The ruling coalition pointed out that fighting Covid-19 was not only the government’s responsibility but a collective battle and it appreciated Naga people for bearing with the inconveniences and making sacrifices for each other’s safety.
The government said it also felt blessed and motivated by the contributions of churches, civil society organisations, tribal hohos, NGOs and all sections of the society.