Jamir under fire for sacking Therie

DIMAPUR, May 31 ? In a significant development the Tenyimia legislators,which comprises of Angami, Chakhesang, Zeliangrong and Rengma Naga tribes have registered their dismay at the statement of the Angami Public Organization (APO) issued jointly by APO?s vice president R Iralu and treasurer Vipose Zao, wherein the APO has expressed its resentment against the decision of Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir for dropping Therie from his Council of Ministers, alleging that the Chief Minister?s decision ?speaks loudly of a design to marginalize the Tenyimia community within the government.? The Tenyimia Legislatures while viewing the contentions of the two APO office bearers, expressed ?outright dismay that a respectable organization like APO could stoop so low and remain ignorant about the democratic system of governance? where the Chief Minister has a prerogative to decide about the Ministry.

The members of Tenyimia legislatures termed the statement of the APO signatories about alleged attempt to marginalize the Tenyimia in the Government as ?outright controversial communal language and aimed at communalizing the Naga society.? The members in a joint meeting held at the official residence of the speaker Zoveho Lohe instead wondered whether the constituent units of the Tenyimia community had ever authorized the APO ?to sow such divisive seed in Naga community?. The Tenyimia legislatures which includes Z Lohe Speaker, Rokonicha, Minister for LSG and Wasteland Development, Neiba Ndang Health and Family Welfare Minister, Seyiekuolie Minister for CAWD and Economics and Statistics, TR Zeliang Forest Minister, Nillo Rengma Tourism Minister, Zachilhu Vadeo Minister Rural Development, KV Pusa Minister Roads and Bridges, T Aba-o Kire, Khusatho, Nuzota Swuro and Asu Keyho, ( all MLAs) expressed concern over such matter, since they reiterating their commitment for the unity and integrity of the Naga people said ?we consider every Naga tribe important and equal partners?. Appreciating chief minister Jamir for taking NGOs into confidence on major issues of ?common interest,? the legislatures at the same time also felt that it would be ?unreasonable and illogical if any NGO dreams beyond its parameter and dilute its own principles and deviates from its expectations.?

The Tenyimia legislature group further expressed support to the chief minister SC Jamir and also fully endorsed his decision. Earlier, the 19Phek Area Constituency Congress Committee has extended its support to the decision taken by the Chief Minister, SC Jamir, in sacking K Therie. Therie, a Chakhesang tribesmen was elected from 19-Phek AC twice ? first in the year 1993 and second time in the last general election of February 1998.

On the other hand, the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF), held an emergency meeting at Kohima on Tuesday to view the political scenario in the aftermath of Therie?s termination. The CYF said if Therie was critical about the contentious ?Bedrock of the Naga Society? booklet, (the booklet was written by SC Jamir) it depicted his clear vision and farsightedness. The Front, while stating that Chief Minister might have prerogative but his prerogative should be based on virtuous action, however, said that if Jamir dropped Therie in the larger interest of the Nagas, ?may he be blessed; otherwise, let him face the curse of the people.?