This rejoinder is being issued in response to the press release of Mr. Kevisobeilie Bio, associate press secretary, NPF Kohima Division, who has made several inaccurate and false statements particularly against the Honorable MP Mr. Neiphiu Rio.
1. The issue of disqualification of erstwhile NCP MLAs who merged with the BJP has nothing to do with Supreme Court proceedings. The disqualification order was issued by the Nagaland Assembly on the instigation of the NPF party and the DAN Government in Nagaland. Senior BJP leaders like Mr. Sudanshu Mittal, Mr. Tapir Gao and even Honorable Shri PB Acharya (before he became Governor) approached the NPF and DAN leadership requesting them not to disqualify the BJP MLAs but they were disqualified against all norms. Fortunately the honorable courts delivered justice and the disqualification order was revoked. Isn’t disqualification of an elected member a clear attempt to finish the prospects of a politician and their party?2. The manipulated signature campaign carried out for selection of a new chief minister was a clear betrayal of trust and a case of backstabbing. It was done without the knowledge of the incumbent chief minister and elected members and even ministers were mislead and made to sign with assurance of utmost confidentiality and secrecy. It was not done in a democratic manner and without the consent or knowledge of the incumbent democratically and mandated leader. Is backstabbing and betrayal in the nature of Naga people?
3. The move to change the leadership of the NPF and the chief ministership of Nagaland was supported by the clear and overwhelming majority of elected 22 NPF MLAs out of 38. Who crushed the voice of majority and who murdered democracy? Who refused to listen to the voice of the majority?
4. On the recommendations of the Election Commission of India and the appeal of massed based civil society organizations both sides agreed to move towards reconciliation and unity. The two MPs also wrote to NPF President, followed by another letter from Mr. Rio appealing for true reconciliation but we all know that it fell on deaf ears. Was reconciliation carried out in letter and spirit? Were the majority group appropriately accommodated with justice and reconciliatory spirit? Were the supporters and party workers loyal to the majority group recognized and given due placements? Is this democracy? Was this not another betrayal? Is this true Naga character?
5. Mr. Neiphiu Rio has already issued a public statement and came out clearly with all facts and documents regarding his educational qualification. He has also given his statements to the police investigating team and submitted his certificates and documents to the police. Why is Mr. TR Zeliang still hiding behind the protection of the courts? Why can’t Mr. TR Zeliang also do the same? Why can’t Mr. TR Zeliang make his educational qualification certificates public? How long will he lie and try to fool the Naga people? Don’t the Naga public have the right to know the truth from the leader of the State? Haven’t North East Hill University (NEHU) and the Kohima College declared to the court that he did not graduate from their institutions?
These are truths, not lies. Yes, the Naga public will judge. We respect the public and we are humbled by the people’s support and the mandate of the masses. Truth will prevail.
