Kohima, Sept 20: Nagaland Home Minister Neiphiu Rio today resigned from the ministry accusing chief minister S C Jamir of blocking a negotiated settlement of the vexed Naga issue.

"Nagas want a negotiated settlement of their problems with the Union government, but the state government is coming in the way as Jamir has been placing various conditions," Rio told a press conference here. ''Jamir's style of functioning is autocratic which is completely alien to the Naga traditions and customary practices'' Rio said.

K Therie, a close associate of the home minister, was dropped from the council of ministers in June. Therie was holding charge of power ministry. With the resignation of Rio, Jamir's council of ministers has come down to 29.

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) said Rio's resignation would have no impact on the assembly elections scheduled to be held early next year. Bureau Report