‘Reconciled’ DAN govt. announces new cabinet

Kohima Bureau Kohima, Dec. 19 (EMN): Following the reconciliation between Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, a major reshuffle in the ministry has taken effect: six ministers, three advisors and five parliamentary secretaries sacked, and six new ministers and 10 advisors appointed as of Dec. 19. A late evening official order on Dec. 19 notified the allocation of portfolios and the business of the government amongst cabinet ministers. While most of the cabinet ministers retained their previous portfolios, newly inducted minister Kuzholuzo Nienu was given Home; SI Jamir a combination of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs while P Longon got Geology and Mining as well as Border Affairs; CL John got Rural Development; Y Vikheho Swu was allotted National Highways; and P Paiwang Konyak elevated as minister while retaining his previous portfolio of Transport and Aviation. Meanwhile, in supersession of the government notification dated July 26 last, the chief minister has on Tuesday appointed the following as advisors to the government of Nagaland in the status of cabinet minister with immediate effect: Also, in supersession of the same notification, the chief minister has allotted the following departments to the parliamentary secretaries: 10 advisors sworn-in Ten legislators have been sworn in as advisors to the government of Nagaland on Dec. 19 at a swearing-in ceremony held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima. They include EE Pangteang, Chotisuh Sazo, Yitachu, N Thongwang Konyak, N Thomas Lotha, Vikho-o Yhoshü, R Tohanba, T Torechu, Tovihoto Ayemi and Jacob Zhimomi. Besides Lotha and Zhimomi, who are independent MLAs, the rest are all from NPF party. Chief Minister TR Zeliang administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new advisors. On Dec. 18, the state government had terminated the appointment of three advisors- Noke Wangnao (PHE), CM Chang (Planning and Coordination) and Deo Nukhu (Higher Education, NHBM) and five parliamentary secretaries- Pohwang Konyak (Evaluation, NRLM), Merentoshi R Jamir (Social Welfare), Zhaleo Rio (Municipal Affairs), Namri Nchang (Sericulture, HG and Civil Defence, NBRM) and Neiphrezo Keditsu (Labour and Employment and Skill Development). This takes the toll of MLAs whose appointment with portfolio were sacked to 13, ever since the chief minister reconciled with NPF supremo Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu recently on Dec.8 after they had a bitter fallout in July last. EE Pangteang, though dropped from the previous cabinet, was retained was an Advisor with cabinet status in the latest reallocation.