ENPO, YTC resent alleged defamation of Dr. Anungla Imdong Phom

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has expressed resentment, stating that the current state-wide agitation led by the JCC has taken a negative turn, targeting and defaming one of its citizens Dr. Anungla Imdong Phom.

In a press release, the ENPO stated that such moves have become personalised and unfairly tarnished the reputation of the concerned individual.

“In a democratic country, the Constitution guarantees the right to protest. However, the ENPO cannot remain a silent spectator when the move to reform had turned into destruction of one’s individual integrity, image and character assassination,” the organisation stated.

“The silence and lukewarm attitude of the state government on this ongoing state wide pen-down strike is also highly questionable as the issue is being dragged on. The citizen of the state has every right to question and known if this entire drama is engineered and doctored to victimise the citizen of eastern Nagaland.”

The ENPO expressed concern that certain individuals and associations have resorted to maligning the reputation of the concerned officer through personal attacks. The organisation urged the state government to intervene and find an amicable solution to the ongoing issues.

Also read: Nagaland Cabinet recalls IAS list, orders fresh review

IAS induction row: Yachem Officers’ Forum defends member

The organisation emphasised that any irregularities should be addressed through proper channels.

“All the government servants exist and work under certain authorities and thus, targeting an individual or person by any agitating parties in the pursuit of their interest, instead of pursuing through the relevant authority is certainly a case of crossing the limit,” it added.

In a separate statement, the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) stated that it was disheartening to see some people targeting and circulating the image of Dr. Anungla Imdong Phom, Additional Director of Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) in various social media which, the council maintained, “is unethical and undemocratic.”

The council condemned the act, stating that it amounted to defamation and character assassination of a state officer. It appealed to individuals and organisations to refrain from making such remarks against any individual.

“It is learnt that the state government is following the prescribed rules of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, in nominating the officers and shortlist the candidates for induction into the IAS from non-SCS after due examinations of eligibility and performance criteria of the candidates without any hindrances in the past and still continuing the same.

“The selection process and procedures should be left to the wisdom of the state government,” the YTC stated.