Dimapur, Sep. 24 (EMN): President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), K Therie has drawn attention of the public to what he termed as ‘vanishing’ state budget which has now reached INR 23,000 crore stating that corruption, extortion, and bribery have become an “accepted way of life and even an expected way of life, shifting towards a dishonest society.”
Therie stated this at the launch of ‘Crusade against unfaithful government,’ hosted by Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) at Congress Bhavan in Dimapur on September 24. He accused the state government of lacking vision for industrial development or for entrepreneurs despite Dimapur being one of the most potential upcoming cities after Guwahati in the Northeast. Therie opined that with proper industrial policies and funding, the huge economic potential could be tapped to usher in development, employment and prosperity only if the right leaders are elected.
Therie also pointed out that Naga society today is under threat of demographic changes, dilution of religious beliefs and erosion of customary and traditional practices. He claimed that the BJP/RSS’ agenda of Hindutva and division on communal lines has reached the population and is eroding the Christian values as witnessed in the recent Raksha Bandhan episode.
He expressed concern that Nagas are staring at loss of identity, culture and traditions with the 47 MLA in fear of the 12 BJP MLA, who are executing the diktats of the BJP/RSS.
Therie lamented that although the legislators have voluntarily committed to pave the way for solution, yet they refused to honour the commitment despite the announcement of conclusion of talks. He also claimed that the people continue to suffer under extortion, corruption, lack of development, unemployment, and backdoor appointments.
Therie said the crusade was necessitated as the people could not expect anything from the present government, which did not even present its manifesto to the people. He, therefore, stated that the need to go to the people has arisen to win their votes for a brighter future under a welfare government run by responsible leaders.
Given the opportunity, Therie stated that Congress would ensure continuous fund flow for industrial development and deliver on women representation, health insurance and all round development across the state. He further appealed to civil societies to uphold their respective stands on issues and urged the electorates to learn from the past and vote consciously to ensure the goals of a welfare government are delivered to the grassroots.
Other speakers included NPCC vice president V Lasuh, NPMCC vice president Neojila, chairman of NPCC minority department Rajesh Kumar Sethi, president of 5 ACCC Ghaspani-II Lashito Shohe, and DYC president R Mukhe Yimkhiung.
The invocation prayer was said by president of 4 ACCC Ghaspani-I Kuhoto I and the benediction was said by NSUI president X Chophika Sumi.