COVID funds were used randomly as discretionary funds, numbers were exaggerated to gain funds.
CM and HM are trying to escape by blaming AFSPA; Absolute power corrupts absolutely
Mokokchung Times News
Mokokchung | February 28
President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), K. Therie, said that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 is an “instrument used by people who are in power.” He said that AFSPA does not act on its own, and added, “The truth is Chief Minster and Home Minster of Nagaland are answerable to the people. If they are not conspirators, they should seek punishment for the criminals. They are trying to escape by blaming AFSPA.” He said this when Mokokchung Times asked him his opinion on the Oting incident and its aftermath, the victims of which are yet to see justice delivered and AFSPA yet to be removed despite widespread demand for its removal.
In an exclusive interview with Mokokchung Times, the Nagaland state Congress chief also expressed his unreserved views on a number of wide-ranging issues. When asked of his view on how the government of the day used the funds allotted to Nagaland in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Therie said that the COVID-19 funds were used randomly 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,” he rued.
On the creation of new districts, Therie said, “This Government is functioning under pressure and appeasement. They are not guided by Administrative Reforms Commission Reports or rational thinking. They have destroyed the balance and respect of governance.”
On the question of the current opposition-less government in Nagaland, Therie said that absolute power corrupts absolutely and claimed that people don’t know where the expenditures go. “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.”
When asked how the Congress party failed in Nagaland, he revealed to Mokokchung Times that there was “division among two schools of thought” in the approach to 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, he disclosed. However, he said, “I don’t think we have done anything wrong with limited resources.”
On the delay in finding a solution to the Naga political problem, Therie categorically held the “UDA resolution” responsible for delay. Therie also said that Congress stands for free and fair election. “We will do what is morally right before God and the law. Nagaland need fresh electoral enrolment with proper identification, one person, and one vote in one election is the law and there is no difficulty in enforcing the law,” he said on ensuring free and fair election.
On the Manipur assembly elections, from where he had just returned after campaigning there for his party, Therie said that the Congress is expected to form the government in that state.