NDPP accuses NPF of launching personal attacks on CM

Newmai News Network
DIMAPUR, May 20: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the ruling political party in Nagaland, has accused main opposition Naga People's Front (NPF) of taking undue advantage of the prevailing situation of the global pandemic of COVID-19 to make personalised attacks on the Chief Minister of Nagaland. The NDPP said it is also extremely disheartening that the opposition NPF has also dragged in the local media houses by accusing them of having “failed to cover and report allegations and misinterpretation of the meeting”. The NDPP then stated that "such callous and immature behaviour is unbecoming" of the oldest regional party who are supposed to be playing the role of a “responsible” opposition party.
In a statement, the NDPP said that though it is against resorting to paper wars during these uncertain and trying times, the accusations raised by the opposition needs to be addressed so as to clear the confusion in the minds of the people if any. The NDPP said that the Chief Minister as the head of the state does have the responsibility of informing the people on the activities of the government including the current COVID-19 pandemic. It also said that at times like these, it is not possible to gather people and organisations often enough to highlight what the state is experiencing and going through. "Therefore, as responsible leaders, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister along with their colleagues had taken the opportunity on the official visits to the districts to not only inform the leaders of the various civil and tribal organisations on the governments plans and programs in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to highlight other current issues being faced by the government today". In fact, said the NDPP statement, the State Government has always had the utmost respect for the "tribal hohos" and civil societies, "therefore our leaders have made it mandatory to have an inclusive approach and took the opportunity to fully brief the civil societies on the overall scenario of the State in a transparent and inclusive manner"
According to the NDPP statement, with the constrains of the financial position of the State and the economic condition of the country, it is imperative that we understand the realities of our lack of revenue and dependent status and move towards undertaking measures aimed at self-sufficiency and a locally sustainable economy. It further said that the pandemic has "taught us that we need to move out of the salary economy, focus on the agriculture and allied sector and work to eat". In this context, the NDPP said it welcomed the decision of the State Government in instituting a Strategic Committee for Economic Affairs. "This committee will chalk new measures, strategies and game-plans for economic activities and it will also engage a pool of economic experts from various sectors to guide and advise the government on new approaches. The State Government is also undertaking several austerity measures aimed at saving the State exchequer from wasteful expenditure," it added.
The NDPP then said that certain individuals have taken to social media to spread hatred, slander and evil thoughts which are much against the tradition and culture of the Naga people. The NDPP termed it as "unfortunate". "While we respect that freedom of speech, expression and opinion, it is paramount to keep in mind that these freedoms come with responsibility. Such utterances are highly condemnable and well and truly unbecoming which needs to be seriously pondered by all sections", it added.
The NDPP then "reiterated our stand that this is no time to politicize the pandemic or finger point, but this is the time to put our heads together and work out ways and means to combat the pandemic and ensure the safety of our stranded Naga brethren as well as the entire citizenry".
It further said that "we have limited facilities, but we are making the best of the little that we have". It added by saying, "Our officers and front lines workers are tirelessly performing their duties and we should not belittle their tremendous efforts by casting aspersions on their endeavours".
The NDPP then said that as "our brethren" return home from the other parts of the country, it is the clarion call of the NDPP that "we uphold each and every one of them in our prayers during their travels and stay at the designated quarantine centres. Let us also continue to help our medical and frontline helpers by staying safe".