In what may land Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio into a legal trouble, the Manipur Cabinet has decided to approach the Election Commission of India accusing him of “hate speech” against Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh during an election meeting in Nagaland.
Taking the offence to Mr Rio’s speech on February 6 at an election rally, where in he had defined Mr Ibobi as “one of the biggest enemies of Naga people and responsible for the suppression of Nagas”, Manipur education minister Moirangthem Okendro Singh told reporters, “The Cabinet of Manipur has taken serious note of the hate speech made by the Nagaland chief minister which could spark communal tension. It may also have an adverse impact on inter-state relations.”
Mr Okendro, who is also the spokesperson of the Manipur government, said that the state Cabinet which met on Friday has decided to approach the Election Commission of India and the Union home ministry seeking action against the Nagaland chief minister as per the election code of conduct and sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Though, Northeastern states have always been at loggerhead on issue of proposed greater Nagaland concept of NSCN(I-M) to which Mr Ibobi and other chief ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have been opposing, the fresh remark of Nagaland chief minister obviously aimed at to polarise Naga voters has suddenly surcharged the atmosphere between the two neighbouring states.