Nagaland Congress stages sit-in for minister's removal

Irked over the Chief Minister's "failure" to remove Imkong L Imchen from the state council of ministers, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee today staged a sit-in outside Nagaland Civil Secretariat in the state capital here as part of its second phase of agitation.

NPCC general secretary Medokul Sophie told PTI that in the first phase, NPCC held statewide poster campaign for Imchen's removal.

But as the Chief Minister is "reluctant" to take action against Imchen while the accused minister himself is not willing to step down, the NPCC was compelled to sit on dharna holding placards during office hours.

On November 13, the NPCC submitted a representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, demanding dropping of Imchen from the Council of Minister on allegations of his involvement in criminal activity on February 18 last during the assembly elections, wherein he was allegedly caught with Rs 1.10 crore in cash, arms and ammunition and liquor in Wokha district by the Assam Rifles.

In the representation, the Congress had warned to launch series of agitations if the CM failed to drop Imchen by November 26 last, after which, the Congress launched the first phase on November 27.

He also said that the next phase would be a 12-hour bandh on December 3 next. It will have affect in some of the major districts and the ensuing Hornbill Festival.