Yollow inducted as minister; 2 NDPP MLAs appointed advisers

February 10, 2022
Correspondent

With the induction of NPF legislator YM Yollow Konyak as cabinet minister at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan here on Wednesday morning and also appointment of two NDPP legislators as advisers, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has come into being as a coalition government.
Governor Prof Jagsish Mukhi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Yollow, who has been allocated Environment, Forest and Climate Change portfolio. This portfolio was earlier held by then minister C.M. Chang whose demise in October 2020 left a vacancy that has not been filled with any other elected member from Eastern Nagaland.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton, newly-elected UDA chairman TR Zeliang, cabinet ministers, advisers, senior officials and others were present at the programme, which was conducted by chief secretary J Alam.

Meanwhile, NDPP MLAs– H. Chuba Chang and S Keoshu Yimchunger were appointed as advisers of Justice & Law and SCERT, and Village Guard and Information &Public Relations respectively.

Zeliang appreciates Rio: UDA chairman and NPF leader T.R. Zeliang expressed happiness on the induction of Yollow to the State cabinet. Speaking to media persons after the swearing-in ceremony, Zeliang said the objective of forming an opposition-less government had been translated into a reality.

He also lauded chief minister Neiphiu Rio for showing magnanimity by giving him the post of UDA chairman and remarked that UDA government would give one “last push” for solution to the Naga imbroglio before next Christmas 2022.

To a query, he admitted that as UDA was an all-party government, the chief minister had agreed in principle to campaign for NPF candidates in Manipur Assembly elections. He said Rio would kick off the campaign at Senapati on February 16. He expressed confidence that NPF would win in all the 10 constituencies in Manipur.

It may be pointed out that BJP is leading the alliance in Manipur where NPF is a constituent. In Nagaland after UDA was formed the NPF is also in an alliance with NDPP where BJP is also a major partner. If Rio campaigns in Manipur for the NPF, it could also mean taking a position against BJP which is contesting all 60 seats in Manipur.

On merger, Zeliang clarified that NDPP was yet to decide on it as of now.

ENPO, ENSF & NPF Mon division felicitate

Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) and Naga People’s Front (NPF) Mon division have welcomed the induction of YM Yollow Konyak as a minister in the State cabinet and appointment of H Chuba Chang and S Keoshu Yimkhiung as advisers on Wednesday.

In a statement, ENPO expressed gratitude to chief minister Neiphiu Rio for appointing Yollow as minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Chuba Chang and Keoshu Yimkhiung as advisers of Justice & Law and SCERT, and Village Guard and I&PR respectively.

ENPO also acknowledged the chief minister’s deep, keen and a helpful interest in the plight and welfare of the underdeveloped and underprivileged ENPO region bordering Myanmar. Thus, in continuation of his concern for the people, it said the kind gesture towards the three Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union members made it possible for “us” to exist and make the community a great place to live.

Further, ENPO also wished the three ENLU members good luck as they assume responsibilities.

ENSF: Eastern Naga Students’ Federation has congratulated NPF legislator YM Yollow Konyak, representing 42 Wakching assembly constituency, on being appointed the cabinet minister of UDA government.

In a press release, ENSF president Chingmak Chang and assistant general secretary Kaibo Konyak described Yollow Konyak as “maverick politician” who been “consistent in his principles and remained pristine in-situ despite unprecedented course of events in political milieu”.

Further, the federation extended best wishes to the advisor Justice & Law and SCERT, H Chuba Chang, and advisor information & public relation, village guard, S Keoshu Yimchunger, on their new assignments.

NPF Mon: Meanwhile, in a separate statement, NPF Mon division president S Chingyem Konyak and general secretary (administration) Hahongnao Konyak conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Rio and NPF Legislative Party leader and United Democratic Alliance chairman TR Zeliang, NPF MLAs and leaders led by party president Dr Shurhozielie Liezietsu and his esteemed colleagues for picking Yollow Konyak and reposing faith in him by inducting him as cabinet minister despite having good numbers of senior party MLAs.

They said this gesture spoke volumes to strengthen and empower party functionaries at all levels under Mon division. They declared of remaining steadfast, faithful and committed to the party and take the responsibilities forward with more sense of commitment and dedication.

Extending best wishes to Yollow, they also assured cooperation and support in his endeavours. They also extended best wishes to Zeliang on being elected as chairman of UDA.

Source:  http://www.nagalandpost.com/?p=250300