Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and Village Guards CL John has apologized today for his insensitive remarks. “I on my personal behalf apologise to the victim affected people in my way of communication, talking or hurting their sentiment while giving report yesterday. I do-not meant any intention, I also sincerely and deeply regret,” said John during the ongoing 14th NLA session.
John had been slammed by the public after making an insensitive joke over the death of 8 people killed by elephants in Wokha.
Responding to a supplementary question during the 14th NLA session on September 12 raised by MLA Achumbemo Kikon on the human animal conflict which killed several people and destroyed paddy fields in Bhandari, Wokha, CL John remarked that “men are still winning against elephants” in the fight because the number of death of Elephants was higher than of humans. He further quipped that people should apply for the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, if one is planning to fight the elephant.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
These insensitive comments which has gone viral in social media sites has sparked anger and disappointment among the Naga public.
While his comments were followed up with laughter among legislators and attendees in the Assembly, netizens condemned John for his insensitivity as a leader.
One comment reads:
“What a joke C.L John Minister for the Forest Department in the assembly. How can you make fun of the 8 people who were killed by the elephants. Even one life is precious.Even more surprising is You being the head of your Department and how you are not even ready to implement new plans for the welfare of the nagas but dependent on Modi to set the rules for your dept. How can you Make the statement for the people to apply for CHIEF MINISTER HEALTH INSURANCE then keep it ready and go tackle the elephant with the motive to get money in case you get hit by an elephant”
An X (formerly Twitter) user posted: “Truly a paid clown. We don’t deserve an insensible leader like him.”
“He should be concerned of his shortcomings as a Minister for Forest and Environment but instead made a mockery of the deaths.”: another X user added.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Further, a YouTube comment reads: “I got a hint through C.L.John, why our Nagas are not getting progress. A people from high authority who holds a cabinet post has such ill-mentality gives no place for progress in our state.”
Another commented: “Never expected Naga senior politician like CL John to be at this level.Very disappointed, branded by name, rejected by wisdom Itself!!”
While expressing disappointment against the Minister, netizens were also quick to applaud MLA Achumbemo Kikon for addressing the issue. Some comments read:
“Kikon is doing a good job for his constituency. And Mr.John is an incapable minister. Dodging answers and making a joke out of a serious situation, backward mentality afterall, no problem solved”
“It’s time for Nagas to have well educated, sensible and polite legislatures like Hon’ble MLA Achumbemo Kikon”
This is not the first time for Minister CL John, known for his hyperboles and crude humour, who has come under public scanner for his comments.
