Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday hosted the felicitation programme for newly elected Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) councillors at Naithu Resort.
In his speech Rio addressed the issue of non-participation in the ULBs polls in Eastern Nagaland. He expressed regret over their non-participation.
Since no elections were held in the Eastern Nagaland areas, Rio disclosed that the government was considering appointing nominated members in the town councils, keeping in mind the need to assist the people to develop their areas.
“We will not keep them in isolation. We will take them along with and provide grants to carry out development works,” he said. Regarding two NPP candidates who have extended support to the NDPP and the merger of two Independent members, taking the total to 15 NDPP councilors in the 23-member DMC, Rio said the merger had taken place since there was no anti-defection law for the ULBs.
He however disclosed the government’s desire for an anti-defection law to maintain political stability.
Rio termed the felicitation programme as an occasion of happiness, commending the councilors and party leaders for their success in the recent urban local body (ULB) elections.
He congratulated the councilors, party leaders and workers for their efforts, which ensured NDPP’s sweeping victory across the state.
He emphasised understanding the NDPP’s ideology, especially by the members who recently joined the party, and also dwelt on the party’s commitment to good governance.
Rio hoped that the newly-elected members would work at the grassroots level, reminding them that they would now be the face of the party on the ground, and that their dedication and hard work would now determine the party’s fate.
He assured the councilors that the state government would provide necessary funds and support to strengthen the ULBs, adding that the government had plans to create a separate directorate with efficient officials to handle the ULBs. The chief minister urged all the members to study the party’s manifesto, maintain transparency, and cooperate for the party’s success.
In his speech, advisor Labour, Skill Development & Employment, and Excise Moatoshi Longkumer acknowledged the efforts of the chief minister in conducting ULB elections in the state after a gap of 20 years.
He appealed to the newly-elected councilors to work sincerely and fulfill the promises they made to the public, emphasising that the public confidence in the NDPP should be met with dedication and hard work.
NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, who also spoke on the occasion, maintained that the party’s loss in the Lok Sabha election was due to national and international issues, rather than domestic issues.
He reminded the newly-elected councilors that winning was not the end, but the beginning of work at the grassroots level, stressing discipline, unity, and cohesion among them.
Delivering his address, NDPP secretary general Abu Metha dwelled on the party’s ideology that was committed to preserving the voice, culture, heritage, and history of the Naga people, highlighting the party’s national outlook, and global priorities, including human rights, secularism, gender equality, and women empowerment. He also dwelt briefly on the state’s contribution to the nation’s growth.
He thanked the chief minister for his dedication and hard work in ensuring successful conduct of the ULB polls. He also appealed the newly-elected councilors to work for peace and oneness, aligning with the state’s vision.
The programme was chaired by NDPP senior vice president (central) Charlie Sekhose, invocation offered by SBCD senior pastor Rev S Vitoshe Swu, and short speech delivered by newly-elected DMC chairman Hukheto Yepthomi and EDTC chairman Niuto Awomi.
Special numbers were also presented by Cantamus Choir and Thunglamo and Zareni, while vote of thanks was offered by NDPP Dimapur region president Vihoshe Awomi.