Congress accuses Nagaland government of neglecting socio-eco
Congress accuses Nagaland government of neglecting socio-economic issues
The Congress on Saturday criticised Nagaland government, alleging that it is not focusing much on socio-economic factors, problems faced by the people, and the rampant unemployment crisis
(L-R) Khriedi
Theunuo, S Supongmeren Jamir, Christopher Tilak and Yanger Longkumer addressing
a press conference on Saturday in Kohima. (EM Images)
KOHIMA — The
Congress on Saturday criticised Nagaland government, alleging that it is not
focusing much on socio-economic factors, problems faced by the people, and the
rampant unemployment crisis.
This was stated during a press conference at Congress Bhavan
in Kohima, addressed by Christopher Tilak, AICC Secretary in charge of
Nagaland, along with MP (Lok Sabha) and NPCC President S Supongmeren Jamir,
NPCC Working President Khriedi Theunuo, and Yanger Longkumer, Chairperson of
the Communications Department, NPCC.
Tilak informed that as part of its district tour, the party
had completed the first phase of covering six districts: Peren, Dimapur, Wokha,
Mokokchung, Phek, and Kohima.
During the six-district tour, he said, they had met with
district Congress leaders, assembly coordinators, and PCC members, along with
the Youth Congress and Mahila Congress leaders of these districts.
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Tilak mentioned that at the grassroots, people had shared
various challenges they are facing.
He observed that people of Nagaland have been ‘overly
focused on political issues,’ while socio-economic aspects, particularly in
rural areas, have been largely ignored. “Throughout all the discussions, the
subject remains focused only on political issues.”
He added that issues affecting youth and women are primarily
socio-economic, pointing out that rampant unemployment is leading to
significant migration from the districts visited.
Highlighting the dire situation in most of these districts,
Tilak stated that basic facilities are severely lacking, with poor road
infrastructure being a major issue.
He further opined that the political leadership in Nagaland is
not focusing much on roads, schools, and hospitals, which are crucial for the
development of future generations.
He stated that these issues are increasing household
pressure, particularly on women, as livelihoods have become more complicated
due to the singular focus on political issues.
Tilak said that while the Congress party remains committed
to addressing the Naga political issue, it will also seriously focus on
socio-economic concerns, which are currently missing from discussions despite
being the primary issues in Nagaland today.
He informed that next month, the party will visit other
districts, primarily the ENPO area. He added that this tour has set the stage
for the party’s political platform for the 2028 elections, and in the next
tour, they will encourage more youth and women to participate and share their
views.
Tilak pointed out that 65% of India's population is below 40
years, making it a young nation, and Nagaland is similarly a young state with a
younger population. However, he claimed that the government lacks a vision for
youth empowerment.
Observing that most MLAs and ministers travel by chopper
rather than using the roads, he attributed this as the reason for the state's
poor road conditions. He added that states where leaders frequently use air
travel tend to have higher inequalities, where the rich become richer and the
poor become poorer.
Fresh approach
Responding to queries about Congress failing to secure a
single seat in Delhi Assembly, a situation similar to Nagaland, Tilak said that
Congress is the oldest party globally and has experienced numerous ups and
downs in its 140-year history. He acknowledged that the party has been
undergoing a transition over the last decade, which is reflected in electoral
outcomes.
He cited that despite not having a single MLA in Nagaland,
the people voted for the Congress candidate in the Lok Sabha election
“primarily because they desired change,” despite the party's lack of a robust
organisation.
He maintained that while the party faces organisational
challenges in various states, Congress as a party continues to win because the
idea of Congress is larger than the party itself. However, he added that
efforts are underway to rebuild the party's organisational structure in
multiple states.
Following the Delhi election results, there has been a major
revamp within the AICC, including changes in office bearers and in-charges. For
Nagaland, a new in-charge, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, has been assigned and is
scheduled to visit Nagaland on March 5.
NPCC Working President Theunuo stated that their roadmap
submitted to the AICC has been endorsed by Rahul Gandhi. He further claimed
that the tour aimed to position the Congress party to return to power in
Nagaland by 2028.
NPCC President Jamir said that the party aims to deliver on
its manifesto sincerely, without misleading the public, and to engage with
various sections of society to understand and address their concerns.
