Support to govt taken back, DAN in crisis

Kohima, Nov 28: The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland(DAN) received a massive jolt with Minister for Roads and Bridges Tokheho Yepthomi, two Independent legislators and parliamentary secretaries, withdrawing their support to the government last night.

Official sources here today said Tokheho, who was elected from the Aghunato Assembly Constituency under Zunheboto district, tendered his resignation from the Cabinet.

Two Independent legislators, and parliamentary secretaries P Chuba Chang and Jongshilemba also resigned from the ministry.

Briefing newspersons here last night, Mr Tokheho said he had resigned from the Ministry, but will remain in NPF party.

Responding to a question on his cause of resignation, he said he did so in protest against the government's total failure to maintain law and order and to check inflation in the state.

He alleged that private organisations, along with government agencies, had erected gates in certain places of the state and were collecting taxes from transporters, contributing to the price rise of essential commodities.

After Tuesday's development, the ruling DAN has now reduced to 33 members, including 28 NPF, four BJP and one Independent member. Two JD(U) members has already withdrawn support to the ministry, while opposition Congress has strength of 17 Members. Five legislators have already resigned from the 60-Members Assembly and the present Assembly is with 55 Members.

UNI