Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, January 03:
President's Rule has been imposed in Nagaland this evening.
Reacting to the development, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has said that it is unfortunate that anti-democracy forces in the form of the Congress leaders of Nagaland have put their best effort to impose President's Rule in Nagaland after failing on all fronts to dislodge the mandated DAN Government in Nagaland.
The Chief Minister said that the imposition of Central Rule in Nagaland is nothing but murder of democracy since the DAN Government not only has the mandate of the people but also enjoys a majority in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
He also recalled that on December 13, the DAN Government proved its majority on the floor of the Assembly by upholding the Anti-Defection Law which was instituted under the leadership of the then Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi.
This law was further strengthened by the 91st Amendment of the Constitution of India under the NDA Government.
The DAN Government has proven its majority under the provisions of the Constitution and by upholding the laid down laws of the country.
Any attempt to over rule the procedure of the Assembly will be against the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law and the 91st Amendment, he said.
"It will be nothing but murder of democracy.
If the Congress feels that the law has not been followed, they should have gone to a Court of law but instead they have taken to defection politics using negative politics".
Everybody is aware that Nagaland is going to face Assembly elections in a few weeks but the Congress is obviously aware of its poor prospects and so it continues to make all efforts to grab power through the back door, he pointed adding that "If they are confident of themselves, they should be willing to face the people and seek their mandate but rather the Congress leaders continue to press for PE upon the Naga people".
Imposition of PR at this juncture has the possibility of jeopardizing the peace process and the ongoing ceasefire, he said adding that it is the people who are the best judge on which leaders and which party has genuine concern for the Naga people.