Cong accuses Rio of fund misuse

Kohima, Jan 10 (UNI) Congress Legislature Party leader in Nagaland I. Imkong has demanded explanations from outgoing Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for "siphoning off" developmental funds and requested Governor K. Sankaranarayan to investigate into the matter.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday Mr Imkong alleged that Mr Rio had withdrawn cash of more than Rs 400 crore between December 13 and 31 after his Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government became a 'minority' in the floor of the House on December 13.

''This created a whopping deficit of Rs 450 crore in the state coffer till December 31 last. We demand investigation into the corruption,'' he said.

On Mr Rio's claim that President's Rule in Nagaland might derail the ongoing Naga peace process, he said the DAN government had done nothing for the peace process and there was no question of derailing the process.

Mr Imkong also informed that he staked his claim to form the government as he 'enjoyed majority' in the Assembly. But the Governor did not allow him to form the government. Instead he sent his report to the Union Government.

The Congress leader said corruption would be the main plank in the forthcoming polls and that DAN had to answer to the people on corruption and anomalies.

UNI AS PL RD 1515