9 Sep : Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio in supplement to Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen’s reply to a starred question put up by MLA K.V. Pusa on the issue of banning the Sumi Hoho by a certain underground group expressed his serious concern on the ban.
He said that the NGOs or civil societies play an important part to ensure social justice to all people and groups in the state. He also stated that the issue of ban on Sumi Hoho was also discussed in the cease fire monitoring cell and that the government will take the matter on a serious note to see that the ban is lifted and understanding prevails.
Home Minister, Imkong L. Imchen stated that so far the government have neither received any order nor played any part on banning of the Sumi Hoho and therefore is not in a position to give its opinion on the legality of the ban. He also added that it was only through the newspaper report that he came to know of the ban.
To another query, the Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen replied that since January 1, 2008 till 15th August 2008, 144 people were killed in Nagaland which included 110 underground cadres, 31 civilians and 3 security forces personnel. In connection to the killings, the police have so far arrested 21 persons. He also said that in order to ensure safety to the people and their properties the government had deployed NAP and DEF personnel including additional forces of IRB and para military forces who are performing duties round the clock.
Minister for Urban Development, Shürhozelie in a reply to MLA I. Imkong stated that in the current financial year a total of Rs. 146 lakhs which includes Rs. 26 lakhs under state non-plan and Rs. 120 lakhs under Twelve Finance Commission have been allocated for Municipal/Town Councils. For Development of small and medium towns during 2008-09 a total amount of Rs. 900 lakhs have been allocated.