27 Feb 2022
Mokokchung Times Exclusive Interview with K. Therie, President of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC)
MTNews: You’ve just wrapped up the election campaign in Manipur. Should we expect a different result from Congress?
Therie: Yes you can expect Congress to form Government.
MTNews: How would you explain the fall of the Congress in Nagaland? What do you think Congress did wrong to loss its public support?
Therie: Division on two schools of thoughts in the approach to Endeavour and solve the noble political problem. One thought the noble political movement has ended and the other thought one should play mediators roles to secure negotiated settlement. I don’t think we have done anything wrong with limited resources.
MTNews: Do you have any regrets with the role of the Congress when it was in power?
Therie: There is no regret as far as governance is concern. Law and order was enforced without fear or ill will. Safety and security of public was first.
MTNews: Will we see you contesting in the coming election? Why or why not?
Therie: Well, time will come to make that decision.
MTNews: How detrimental is it for the Congress as a political party that Nagaland has turned into an opposition-less government?
Therie: I have said absolute power corrupt absolutely. People don’t know where the expenditure goes. The state Assembly which is the eye, ear and voice is blind, dumb and deaf. About Rs.23, 000 crores budget, we don’t hear any more. Funds don’t percolate down to Districts any more. People don’t get even CSS funds. VDB and MGNREGA funds even don’t make sounds. All funds vanish in thin air every year.
MTNews: Currently, the state is running at a deficit of Rs 365.53 crore and is estimated to close with a negative balance of Rs 2679.46 crore. What shall be the economic policy of the Congress party if it happens to come to power?
Therie: Given opportunity Congress, we will overhaul resource and expenditures, facilitate growth of MSME and create employment opportunities, agriculture and Agri-marketing, export and import.
MTNews: Considering the funds Nagaland received during the Corona virus pandemic, do you think the government of the day handled it well?
Therie: Covid-19 was randomly used as discretionary grants. Sad that numbers were exaggerated to gain funds. Corruption over pandemic is against ethic of life and religion but is happening before Christian State.
MTNews: Do you see the UDA bringing any positive resolution regarding the Naga Political issue? If congress comes to power, will it be dealt differently?
Therie: UDA resolution is responsible for delay. We will implement agreed solutions.
MTNews: The December 4 incident at Oting is yet to see justice; AFSPA is yet to be removed. What’s your view in the development that followed after the unfortunate incident?
Therie: Justice to Oting massacre is only when the criminals are awarded punishment. AFSPA is instrument used by people who are in power. AFSPA do not act on its own. The truth is Chief Minster and Home Minster of Nagaland is answerable to the people. If they are not conspirators they should seek punishment for the criminals. They are trying to escape by blaming AFSPA.
MTNews: A lot of new districts were created in just a short period of time. And then there’s more regions that’s demanding now. Do you think those district creation was necessary? Do you think the government of the day made the right decision in creating those districts?
Therie: This Government is functioning under pressure and appeasement. They are not guided by Administrative Reform Commission Reports or rational thinking. They have destroyed the balance and respect of Governance.
MTNews: Can Congress guarantee a free and fair election? If yes, how will you make sure it is implemented thoroughly?
Therie: We are for free and fair election. We believe we can make it. We will do what is morally right before God and the law. Nagaland need fresh electoral enrolment with proper identification, one man, and one vote in one election is the law and there is no difficulty in enforcing the law.