DIMAPUR, June 5 – Reacting to the allegation made by NSCN-K that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had rushed to New Delhi to seek favour from the Congress and rejoin the party, Nagaland Parliamentary Affairs Minister Doshehe Y. Sema on Friday denied the report terming it false and unfounded. Dismissing the possibility of DAN rejoining the Congress, Doshehe said that DAN leaders had not discussed with any person the topic of joining the Congress.He also denied that Chief Minister Rio had secret talks with the NSCN-IM on May 27 at the Chief Minister’s residence in Kohima.
“These allegations are totally false and unfounded”, Doshehe said. The Minister said that the DAN leaders were in Delhi to meet Central leaders to call upon the Centre to resume the Naga peace process and the political dialogue. The Congress said on Thursday that it would engage in talks with the underground groups at the time of its own choosing based on the convenience of the new government’s schedule.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also said that the DAN coalition did not use underground or any organisation to interfere in the political affairs of other states. “It will be in the interest of the underground groups if they do not meddle in the politics and affairs of the political parties”, Doshehe further said.
He assured that DAN government placed the Naga political problem at the top of its agenda and it would not leave any stone unturned to pave the way for solution to the Naga issue.“The Naga problem is also a national issue for the Government of India and the DAN is confident that the Centre will address the issue with all sincerity without bringing party politics in between. The DAN is pleased that all the Central leaders who have met the Chief Minister and the DAN team of ministers have assured tha the peace process will be resumed and continued in right earnest,” the Minister added.