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Rio's appeasement policy to fall flat!

By AT News Dimapur |

KOHIMA: After days of will-he-wont-he, Neiphiu Rio appointed 20 MLAs as advisors who are believed to have been unhappy with the same status.

Highly placed sources told Assam Times that the new appointees, mostly, are not keen to assume charge since they won't be able to enjoy any extra privilege than the status of a legislator which they already have.

A few of the dissatisfied legislators are set to write to the chief minister to regret to accept the offer for the post of advisor without extra benefit.

“I and a few of my colleagues have been considering the appointment. We have yet to take a conclusion. Let’s see what options are there,” said a new appointee who refused to be named.

“Accepting responsibility sans extra benefit does not make sense. We are not happy with this treatment. Let us consider the pros and cons,” said another appointee who belong to BJP.

According to sources, the unhappy appointee are expected to meet the chief minister in a day or two to discuss the details of the procedure. Then only they would chalk out the future course of action.

Rio, who talked to a circle of constitutional experts in New Delhi during his recent visit failed to get any encouraging suggestions and on Thursday issued an official notification appointing 20 ruling party legislators as advisors. They include 13 from NDPP, 6 from BJP and 2 from NPP. 

According to the notification, Noke Wangnao is assigned with Social Welfare and Home Guards and Civil Defence. 

Pohwang Konyak – Fire & Emergency Services, SIRD, Relief and Rehabilitation; 

Pukhayi - Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority; 

Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire – Rural Development; R Khing - Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Women Resources Department; 

Kazheto Kinimi – Skill Development, Labour & Employment and CAWD; 

Mhathung Yanthan – Horticulture; 

Khehovi Yepthomi – Tourism and Art & Culture; Bongkhao – Department of Underdeveloped Area; 

H Haying – Prisons and Printing & Stationery; 

Imnatiba – Industries & Commerce and Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation and 

Zhale Neikha - Youth Resources & Sports.

Mmhonlumo Kikon – Information Technology, Science & Technology and New & Renewable Energy; 

Tovihoto Ayemi – Power; Dr Longrineken – Law & Justice, Border Affairs and Treasuries & Accounts; 

Imtikumzuk – Sericulture and Excise;

Namri Nchang – Irrigation & Flood Control; 

L Khumo – Fisheries and Evaluation, Economics & Statistics; 

K Tokugha Sukhalu – School Education. 

Toshi Wungtong – Information & Public Relations, SCERT and Village Guards.

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