Crack in DAN coalition, Rio in trouble

Kohima, June 1 (UNI) Nagaland Chief Minister and leader of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) coalition ministry Neiphiu Rio, who was in New Delhi to attend the National Development Council meeting, cut short his visit and rushed to Kohima yesterday, following reports of dissidence in the coalition.

Official sources said some members of the DAN coalition met Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayanan yesterday and, in a signed letter, demanded the change of leadership in the DAN ministry, which has been in power in the state for the past four and a half years.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with senior cabinet colleagues and his Nagaland Peoples' Front (NPF) party functionaries, including its President and Urban Development Minister Shurhozelie yesterday.

Nagaland Assembly Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, who was on a week-long official tour to Kerala, also rushed back to Kohima yesterday.

Although the exact number of dissidentrs was not confirmed as yet, sources speculated that a total of 22 members from the NPF, JD(U) and Independents had demanded the change of leadership.

The present break-up in the 60-member Assembly is NPF - 32, BJP - five, JD(U) - two, Independents - four and the Opposition Congress - 17.

PHE Minister P Longon, along with some departmental officials, presently on an official tour to China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, was yet to arrive here.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr T M Lotha, who is from the BJP, in a statement here today said the BJP Legislature Party of Nagaland had reaffirmed its faith and confidence in the leadership of DAN Chief Minister Rio in a meeting held at his residence yesterday.

Former Finance Minister of the DAN government K Therie, who was suspended from the NPF party and who was a dissident since his suspension, when contacted by the UNI, declined to comment, although he confirmed the reports of dissidence.

Congress sources said it was a vertical split in the NPF camp, but they were now adopting the 'wait and watch' policy.

Hectic parleys were on in various political levels but all of them seemed to avoid the media at present.

UNI