Kohima, Mar. 13: Newly-appointed Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said that his government's mantra would be to promote peace, unity and oneness in the state.

Committing himself to working for the welfare of the people and the development of the state, Rio sought the cooperation of all sections of government and society.

He also said that special focus would be paid to empowering the youth and women, agriculture and allied sectors, the development of backward regions and IT.

After taking oath of office late on Wednesday evening, Rio said he would hold the P and AR, Finance, Information Technology and Technical Education, Labour and Employment and Sericulture portfolios.

He confirmed that Dr. Shürhozelie has been allotted Urban Development and Higher Education, T. R Zeliang, Planning and Coordination, Evaluation, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Parliamentary Affairs, G. Kaito Aye, Roads and Bridges, Imkong Imchen, Home, Nyeiwang Konyak, School Education and SCERT, Doshehe Y. Sema, Power, Election, P. Longon, Soil and Water Conservation, Land Resources Development, Kuzholuzo, Medical and Health, MC Konyak (BJP), Forest, Environment, Ecology and Wildlife, Excise, Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao (Independent), PHE and Dr. Chumben Murry(NCP), Agriculture.

Besides the cabinet ministers, 13 Parliamentary secretaries ,Yitachu, R. Khing, Dr. KC Nihoshe, Pangnyu Phom, Yanthungo Patton, Naiba, Wochumo Kithan, Er. T Saku Aier, Chotisuh Sazo, P. Dako Phom, S. Heno, T. Torechu and T. Tohanba were appointed and given the oath of secrecy by Rio.

Rio’s team comprises 26 NPF MLAs, two NCP, two BJP and five independents in the 60 member house of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

DAN had signed a pre-poll alliance with JD (U), BJP and NCP.

The government was formed amidst much speculation that the Congress would use President’s Rule as a cover to get back to power besides the engineered defections but it proved futile, political observers said. (ANI)