The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Wednesday extended strong support to the Assam Congress ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections while accusing the Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma of making defamatory and divisive remarks against Congress leadership.
The party also expressed concern over alleged dilution of rural employment guarantees and reiterated its demand for an early conclusion of the Naga political talks.
Addressing a press conference here at DCC Office, NPCC Working President C Apok Jamir affirmed the Nagaland Congress’ solidarity with the Assam Congress under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, stating that the Congress remains committed to upholding democratic values and safeguarding the diverse fabric of the country, particularly in the Northeast.
He alleged that during the ongoing election campaign, several slanderous and defamatory statements had been made by the Assam Chief Minister against Gogoi, including remarks targeting his family members.
Jamir maintained that such statements were unbecoming of a constitutional authority and emphasized that no individual is above the Constitution of India. He asserted that governance and electioneering must function within constitutional boundaries and established guidelines.
Drawing an analogy, he remarked that even sports such as boxing operate within rules, stressing that political discourse must also adhere to ethical standards and avoid “punching below the belt.”
The NPCC leader further alleged that the BJP government had repeatedly undermined constitutional norms and democratic processes, both during elections and in parliamentary functioning. He claimed that opposition voices were often denied opportunities to express their views, describing it as a disturbing trend that reflected a deteriorating democratic environment.
“Tomorrow, the day after, we have the Assam elections and that divisive tendencies and utterances which is been spewed by the Chief Minister of Assam by subjugating and targeting the minority community is a very dangerous sign,” he said.
The NPCC Working President expressed concern for the people of the Northeast, including the Nagas and emphasized on unity and harmony for Northeast to progress. He said the Congress in Assam was emphasizing on unity, harmony and progress of the state, and added that Nagaland Congress fully supported such approach.
“I appeal to all the people of Assam as well as the people of Northeast and the country, that we need to protect our rights, we need to protect our freedom, and also curb and fight against any divisive policies that are been propagated by the present dispensation,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Andrew Humtsoe, General Secretary (Media) of the Dimapur District Congress Committee, stated that democracy must be guided by evidence-based accountability and responsible public discourse. He criticized what he termed as “personal insinuations and vague claims” made against Gaurav Gogoi without verifiable proof.
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Humtsoe asserted that allegations must be backed by evidence, adding, “If there are charges, let them be presented before the proper authority with documents, facts, and legal standing. But what we can accept is a trial by microphone where reputations are targeted for political mileage”.
He said such practices erode public trust and distract attention from pressing issues such as unemployment, price rise, governance, and development.
Stating that this is not just about one individual, Humtsoe said, “It is about a dangerous culture of politics where defamation is used as a tool, destruction is used as a strategy, and personal attacks are used to avoid real issues: unemployment, price rise, development, and governance”.
Responding to queries regarding the reported ₹500 crore defamation case filed by the Assam Chief Minister against Gaurav Gogoi and others, Jamir said the matter would take its due course in the judiciary.
He, however, alleged that there are lots of corruption allegations and concerns regarding land dealings in Assam, depriving the tribal interest and indigenous interest of the people of Assam. Jamir said these are areas of tremendous concern for the Congress party and the whole country. “And we need to ensure that these moves which seem very attractive on the outside, but if it is going to suppress the majority interest of the public by and large at the ground level—and I believe even in Assam, for that matter in the whole of Northeast, the tribal population or the indigenous are the ones who are to be affected the most,” he said.
He also criticized the implementation of the G-RAM-G scheme, alleging that it had diluted the legal guarantee of employment earlier provided under MGNREGA. Jamir contended that the earlier scheme ensured stronger wage guarantees and material support from the Centre, while the new framework centralized control and placed additional financial burdens on states.
He expressed doubt over Nagaland’s capacity to bear the required state share and called for restoration of MGNREGA in its original form, arguing that the scheme had received global recognition for supporting rural livelihoods despite certain shortcomings that could have been addressed through amendments.
On the issue of the appointment of AK Mishra as advisor for Northeast affairs in relation to the Naga peace talks, Jamir refrained from commenting on the decision, terming it the prerogative of the Union Home Ministry.
However, he reiterated that the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position had already been concluded between the Government of India and Naga political groups and stressed that the peace process should be finalised without further delay.
He said prolonged delays were causing hardship to the people and warned that perceptions of deliberate delay could weaken public trust in the process.
