IMPHAL, February 8: A state cabinet meeting held today strongly condemned the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s remark during the election campaign of his party, Naga People’s Front (NPF) at Zunheboto district in Nagaland on February 6.
The Nagaland Chief Minister earlier remark that “Manipur Chief Minister is one of the biggest enemies of the Naga people and he is responsible for suppression of the Nagas,” was discussed seriously by the cabinet meeting today according to State Education and CAF & PD Minister Moirangthem Okendro Singh who is also the state government`s spokesperson. According to the Minister, the cabinet meeting held today at 3 pm was presided by the Chief Minister. 12 listed and one unlisted cabinet agendas were tabled during the meeting.
“The cabinet took serious note of the hate speech and expressed concerned on the conduct of the Chief Minister of Nagaland and also expressed apprehension about the adverse impact of his political speech on inter-State, inter-ethnic relations and on communal harmony,” the Minister said.
“Manipur being a multi-community society, the cabinet was of the opinion that such irresponsible and provocative public statements should be avoided in the larger public interest. After detailed discussion, it was decided that state home department should convey the state government’s concern to Ministry of Home Affairs and Election Commission of India,” he further said.
Spokesperson M Okendro Singh termed Rio’s remark as anti-national and said that Rio should take full responsibility if anything bad happens to the Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh.
He further continued that other cabinet decisions taken today include, bringing improvement in public distribution system and Manipur state illness assistance fund. The cabinet meeting has also taken the decision to hand over the road construction works of Churachandpur-Tuivai road, Tadubi-Ukhrul road and Khongsang-Tamenglong road to the Border Roads Organization (BRO), to upgrade it from the state highway standard to national highway standard. However, as PWD is doing the road construction work of 115 km long stretch on Tadubi-Ukhrul road, road construction work of a 39 km stretch on Khongsang-Tamenglong road will be assigned to state PWD, the Minister added.
The state cabinet has today approved compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a suitable government job to the next of kin of Head Constable of Imphal East police Reserve line (L) Laishram Ibohanbi Singh of Yairipok Bishnunaha Mayai Leikai.
Ibohanbi’s dead body was found buried from a jungle near Thatha village Ukhrul on December 29, 2012.
It may be reminded that (L) Ibohanbi had gone to his second wife Ningamla on December 24 to attend Christmas at Ukhrul.
On December 29 he had taken his scooter for his return journey to Imphal, but was reportedly assaulted by some individuals at Finch Corner, Ukhrul who after killing him had buried him at the jungle.
It may also be mentioned that even though the Sangshak Police have already taken up a case on the incident, the police is yet to make any arrest.