State set to approach ECI against Rio's 'hate speech'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 08 2013: Taking serious note of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's 'hate speech' which dubbed Chief Minister O Ibobi as one of the greatest enemies of the Nagas, the State Cabinet today decided to approach the Election Commission of India and the Union Ministry so that befitting action is initiated against the Nagaland Chief Minister.

Neiphiu Rio while addressing an election rally of NPF at Zunheboto on February 7 stated that Ibobi was one of the greatest enemies of the Nagas.

Rio also accused Ibobi of suppressing the Nagas.

Taking strong exception to these unprovoked allegations, Ibobi convened a Cabinet meeting this evening and deliberated at length on the accusations of his Nagaland counterpart, said Government spokesman and Education Minister M Okendro.

Face Off : Rio and Ibobi

The Nagaland Chief Minister's statement has all the potential to cause serious damages to inter-State, inter-ethnic relationships as well as communal harmony in Manipur where different communities have been living together.

The State Cabinet was of the opinion that Neiphiu Rio should not have made such a remark which could spark communal tension.

The Cabinet decided that the State Home Department should take up the matter with the Union Home Ministry and the Election Commission of India for his anti-National and communally charged remarks so that befitting action is initiated against the Nagaland Chief Minister.

In case, any untoward incident breaks out as a result of the 'hate speech', the Nagaland Chief Minister should be held accountable, Okendro stated quoting a Cabinet decision.

The Cabinet meeting also demanded the ECI to take up due action against the NPF leaders as per the election code of conduct.

Congress leaders and Ministers of Manipur would definitely go to Nagaland to campaign for Congress candidates contesting in the Nagaland State Assembly election, the informed the Government spokesman.

Meanwhile, the State Government has written to the Government of Nagaland to conduct a thorough investigation into the case in which one Manipuri truck driver was found dead at Kohima.

The Cabinet meeting agreed to appoint 44 ASO's for supervising the railway work which would connect Imphal with Jiribam by railway.

It also gave its sanction for upgrading three State highways namely; Tadubi-Paomata-Ukhrul highway, Singhat-Sinzawl-Tuivai highway and Rengpang-Khongshang and Tamenglong highway into National Highways.

The Cabinet meeting further agreed to pay pending compensation to land owners affected by Imphal-Jiri highway.

It also gave consent to provide ex-gratia of Rs five lakhs together with a suitable Government job to the next of kin of the Imphal West Police Head Constable who was killed by bandh supporters during a bandh called by the UNC in December last year, Okendro added.