Rio terms Congress leaders ''anti-democratic''

Kohima, Jan 3 (UNI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today termed the Congress leaders in the state ''anti-democracy forces'' and described their demand for imposition of the President's Rule in the Northeastern state as ''unfortunate''.

In a statement issued here today, Mr Rio said, ''Imposition of the President's Rule in Nagaland will be murder of democracy since the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government not only has the mandate of the people but also enjoys majority in the Legislative Assembly.'' He said the DAN government had proved its majority in the Assembly on December 13 by upholding the Anti-Defection Law which was instituted under the leadership of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, adding that the law was further strengthened by the 91st Amendment of the Constitution under the NDA government.

''The DAN government has proved its majority under the provisions of the Constitution and by upholding the laws of the country,'' Mr Rio said, adding that any attempt to overrule the procedure of the Assembly would be against the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law and the 91st Amendment.

He further said if the Congress leaders felt that the laws had not been followed, they should have gone to a court of law.

''Nagaland will be facing Assembly elections in a few weeks time and the Congress is obviously aware of its poor prospects and so it continues to make all efforts to grab power through the back door,'' the Chief Minister claimed.

''Instead of seeking the people's mandate, the Congress leaders are trying to impose the President's Rule upon the Naga people,'' he added.

The Chief Minister claimed that imposition of President's Rule at this juncture could jeopardise the peace process and the ongoing ceasefire between the Army and militant groups.

UNI AS DPM YA RAI1105