Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 29
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today urged upon all Naga People’s Front (NPF) party workers to work harder for the party, the people and the State and be prepared to face the 2018 elections.
Addressing the Central Executive Council Meeting of NPF here this morning, Zeliang said subsequent to the joining of the eight Congress, one JDU and NCP legislators to the NPF along with their followers, “We should be aware that there is also a need for some adjustments within the party, especially at the district and assembly constituency level.”
Joining NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu in welcoming all the new members in NPF party and DAN government, he said both old and new party workers have to work as a new team, with the sole objective of strengthening the party, and winning the next election due in 2018.
He also challenged the party workers to remember their responsibilities as leaders of the oldest, the strongest and the most consistent regional party in the north east region.
Stating that DAN is the only government in north east region that is aligned with the ruling BJP led NDA government at the centre, the chief minister said “Let us remind ourselves that we are the torch bearers of regionalism in the north east region.”
He also appealed to all the party men and women including the legislators, to re-commit themselves to the cause of peace and development.
‘Accept reconciliation in its true spirit’
NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu in his address, said the year 2015 was also eventful because “our party” has created few exceptions which will go down to the pages of the party’s history.
Firstly, he said, the Governor of Nagaland summoned the special session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on February 5, 2015 for trial of strength on the floor of the House to decide the conflicting claims, in which all the 59 legislators reposed their trust on the leadership of TR Zeliang, the chief minister.
“This in itself was a unique achievement. This was the first trial of strength taken place on the Nagaland Legislative Assembly after the enactment of Anti-Defection Law. Let this be the last of such show during our time,” he said.
Secondly, he said, the most significant event of the year (2015) was the coming together of all 60 legislators on a common platform.
“Naga people have been talking about unity among the different sections of the people while on the other hand more factions/groups/committees are appearing every now and then. The 60 Naga legislators who have the mandate of the people of Nagaland at the moment have shown exemplary display in demonstrating their desire for unity, peace and political settlement,” he maintained.
Stating that they have come together for political reason and terming it as ‘magnificent achievement,’ Dr Liezietsu expressed belief that this action must have certainly impressed the central government to look afresh the importance of a political settlement.
