Nagaland CM allocates portfolios to ministers

Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang Aon Tuesday allotted portfolios to the newly-inducted ministers, while keeping a few including finance, personnel and administrative reforms with himself.

Zeliang distributed the portfolios three days after inducting six new members - P. Longon, C.L. John, Vikheho Swu, S.I. Jamir and Kuzholuzo Nienu of the Naga People's Front and Bharatiya Janata Party's P. Paiwang - in in his Cabinet.

Paiwang was allotted Transport and Civil Aviation portfolio, while Nienu was allotted Home portfolio, while Congress-turned-NPF legislator S.I.Jamir will look after Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.

Longon got Geology and Mining and Border Affairs, John Rural Development and Swu has been given the charge of National Highways.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Imkong L. Imchen has been given additional charge of Parliamentary Affairs.

G.Kaito Aye was allotted Roads and Bridges besides Political Affairs, while C. Kipili Sangtam got Power.

BJP legislator Imtilemba Sangtam would continue to Cooperation, Relief and Rehabilitation and Marcofed Minister.

Kejong Chang was allotted Horticulture, Do-Bhasi and Gaon Bura Affairs, while Neiba Kronu was given Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The cabinet reshuffle came after Zeliang sacked six of his ministers following reconciliation by two NPF factions led by Shurhozelie Liezietsus and him on December 8.

Those sacked were Home Minister Y. Patton, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tokheho Yepthomi, Roads and Bridges Minister Nicky Kire, Environment and Forest Minister Neiba Kronu, Rural Development Minister E.E. Pangteang, and Geology and Mining Minister Mmhonlumo Kikon (BJP).

--IANS

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