Dimapur, November 5 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Mmhonlumo Kikon has returned to Dimapur on Saturday November 5, eight days after he was stripped off of his portfolio as parliamentary secretary for Labour & Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Border Affairs by the TR Zeliang-led government on October 28.
The legislator was welcomed by party workers and leaders at the Dimapur Airport on Saturday, November 5. He was received amid supporters holding up placards declaring condemnation for the use of ‘oil’ to victimize leaders.
The legislator, who checked out of the airport with his daughter, walked straight to his vehicle refusing to comment at the airport itself in order not to create inconvenience to other travellers and authorities at the site.
Kikon and his supporters proceeded for his home where, according to sources, a meeting was held at his residence.
In a statement to media persons through the social media, Kikon stated that he was in charge of a crucial portfolio that was critical to the Naga people at the border areas. He stated to have come to know about his removal through a WhatsApp message (a chatting application in mobile phones) when he was sitting with young leaders from across the northeast, discussing ways and means for people from all communities and states, to work together for a greater common goal.
Nonetheless, Kikon assured that his efforts will not stop just because he had been removed from a position in the government. Because, the message stated, the people and he knows that he is an elected representative; nothing but the people’s will will prevent him from working for the Naga people, he said.
“The only way to have maximum positive impact on human rights, livelihood issues, and social concerns, is through the state legislature–which is why I joined politics, around ten years ago.
“Today, seeing all the love and support I have received in messages and phone calls, from people in Nagaland, the northeast, my Party, and from people all over the country, I feel reassured and confident that I am doing the right things, and that I must continue to do so.
“I will continue to work for the people, regardless of not having a portfolio to look after, as I am still a representative of the people. The government position certainly allowed me to advance my work for the people, but what continues to drive me, are the rights and guarantees we have under the law, even as regular citizens. I will work tirelessly, for the truth and justice of every single Naga, no matter who they are and where they are,” Kikon said.
“Before I was removed, and I must add, quite unceremoniously so, I was working on a plan to reach out to our people from every district, every block, every street – to know more about their aspirations in life, and their hopes for livelihood.”
Though not in power as parliamentary secretary anymore, Kikon promised to continue to do what he had been doing, and will continue to stand for the rights of the people.
‘Let's all work together for a better Nagaland where good Governance and relevant policies for the welfare of the people can be achieved and corruption at every level can be challenged by upright citizens concluded,’ he added.
Besides supporters from his fold, the legislator has received support from the Lotha Students’ Union as well. A delayed statement from the LSU on Saturday said that the organisation was in strong support of the statement made by the Lotha Hoho on the sacking of Mmhonlumo Kikon ‘over possible connection to the oil issue and the PIL filed by the Lotha Hoho.’
