The central youth wing of Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday reminded the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) that necessary laid down norms and procedures should be followed while appointing state vigilance commissioner as it is not a political but a statutory post.
Terming the NDPP’s statement justifying appointment of Principal District and Session Judge (retd) Mayang Lima as state vigilance commissioner as illogical, the NPF youth wing in a press communiqué said his (Lima) appointment was issued in clear violation of Clause 4 (a) of the cabinet resolution, dated April 9, 1976, because the appointee is neither a retired High Court judge nor a retired senior executive officer.
The NDPP in its statement on Wednesday claimed that all due procedures were followed by the government in appointment of the state vigilance commissioner. The NPF youth wing said the NDPP statement revealed stark reality of their ignorance and contempt of law and procedures.
Reiterating its full support to the objection raised by Opposition leader T R Zelaing as well as the NPF party against the appointment of Lima as vigilance commissioner, the youth wing said the appointment was made in total violation of the existing norms laid down by the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
It further pointed out that the appointee has served in the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority and department of law and justice which directly relates to preliminary investigation in a case being carried out by Central Bureau Investigation on the direction of Gauhati High Court. This reason is enough to show that the appointment was made with ulterior motives and with a sole intent to abuse the office of state vigilance commission for political gain, the youth wing added.
Affirming that neither Opposition leader Zeliang nor NPF spokesperson Achumbemo Kikon nor the NPF in general targeted the integrity and credentials of Lima, it said violation of the laid down procedures and norms for recruitment to the prestigious post by the People’s Democratic Alliance government is the point of contention.
The NPF Youth Wing also pointed out that as per the laid down rules in the Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003, Section 41 clause 1 of sub clause (c), the approval of the leader of Opposition in appointing the vigilance commissioner is mandatory.
The NPF youth wing called Lima’s appointment as a “political reward” to him as he lost the last Assembly election fighting on an NDPP ticket.