KOHIMA, March 6 — A 28-member Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Ministry headed by Neiphiu Rio was today sworn in Nagaland, bringing to office the first non-Congress dispensation in the state in a decade, reports PTI. Of the ministers, 22 were of cabinet rank and six of state whose portfolios would be announced very soon, the Chief Minister said. He hinted there could be further expansion “as and when required”.
The DAN, a conglomerate of five regional and non-Congress political parties, enjoys a strength of 38 in the 60-member house with support of four independents. All DAN constituents, the NPF, BJP, NDM, JD(U) and the Samata Party have representation in the Ministry. Rio and his ministerial colleagues were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Shyamal Dutta at a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhavan here. Rio said DAN, formed for the first time in Nagland’s history, would be beneficial for the state, particularly in view of the NDA government at the Centre.
“The people have voted for change and we respect their verdict to promise that peace would be brought back in Nagaland through a negotiated political settlement”, Rio told reporters after he was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of the state. “The Naga people want peace which can only be possible through a negotiated political settlement alongside which developmental activities would be taken up in an aggressive manner,” the 53-year-old Chief Minister said.
Another priority area would be to unite all the overground Naga non-government organisations like the Naga Hoho, Naga Mother’s Association and the Naga Students Federation (NSF) which were at present a divided lot, he said. “We will unite the NGOs so that they become the voice of the people”, he said.