Congress has not defeated us, Nagas have defeated us: Rio

Rio leaves for Delhi

Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 17

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the MP elect from Nagaland state, left for New Delhi today. He was accompanied by Home Minister, G Kaito Aye; Minister for Planning & Coordination, TR Zeliang and Minister for School Education, CM Chang. The delegation is scheduled to meet top leaders in Delhi, where the process of installing a new government is underway.

“Solution to Naga political problem is one of the most important promises we made to the people. Therefore, we will pursue vigorously which we have committed to the people”, said Rio while asserting that all Naga Political Groups should unite to achieve this common aspiration.

Rio lamented that during the last ten years, when the Congress led UPA was in power, most of state projects could not be implemented due to fund constraint.

TR Zeliang also said that solution to the pending Naga political issue will be the foremost task. He said Nagas could not move any further because of the pending Naga political issue, and therefore priority would be given to bringing an acceptable solution. He sought the cooperation of all legislators on this matter.

Zeliang exuded confidence that Rio being present at the Centre would make a difference and expressed hope that the latter would create an impact on all fronts, especially with the Naga Political Issue. He further expressed hope that the new government at the Centre will give collective attention towards the progress and development of the North East.

“We have many challenges before us,” Zeliang stated and asserted that his first and foremost duty will be to bring permanent peace so that development would follow.
Commenting on the defeat of the NPF in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, Zeliang said “we were defeated by ourselves.” He said there were three Naga candidates (NPF, Independent and BJP), but lamented that Naga votes have been divided.

‘Nagas have lost
golden opportunity’
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, commenting on the NPF’s defeat in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, today said that Nagas have lost a “golden opportunity.” “I felt very bad. It is bad luck for the Nagas”, Rio said. He said that if the NPF had won in Manipur, it would have made things different and that Nagas could have benefited a lot, particularly on emotional integration and the Naga Political Issue. “Congress has not defeated us, Nagas have defeated us,” Rio rued.

~Morung Express