Dimapur, May 8 (MExN): The offices of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in several assembly constituencies (ACs) of Nagaland have been issuing various claims and refutations, following the latest political development in the State on April 29.
Depending on one’s viewpoint, on April 29, a total of 21 out of 25 NPF legislators in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly either ‘merged with’ or ‘defected to’ the NDPP.
The development was followed by switching of sides of party workers in several ACs, as they flocked to the NDPP, supporting their incumbent legislator.
However, on Sunday, two ACs which had reportedly switched sides, issued statements asserting that they would stand by the NPF leadership.
NPF A/C offices refute resignation reports
The Office of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) 17th Chizami Assembly Constituency on Sunday refuted media reports that the NPF 17th Chizami AC office bearers had resigned en masse to join the NDPP.
“The news item published does not hold any truth but based on some vested interest defected individual,” Working President Welhipe Chiero stated in a rejoinder, further clarifying that “only few members have resigned.”
It further stated that majority of the office bearers are still ‘very much an active member of the party’ and in full support of the sitting MLA Kezhienyi Khalo and the party President Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu.
Meanwhile, the 52 Assembly Constituency Longkhim-Chare NPF also issued a rejoinder clarifying that the office still remains and active and “all the party functionaries are not resigned.”
“The 52 A/C NPF Longkhim-Chare strongly support the leadership of party President Dr Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and NPF leader of Legislature Party Kuzholuzo Nienu,” stated the rejoinder issued by Vice Presidents Yangthsamong, Yangchosing, and H Noksang.
28th Koridang NPF party dissolved
On the flip side, the NPF unit at 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency held a general meeting on May 6 in Mokokchung during which the party’s performance was thoroughly deliberated.
As per a press release received on Sunday, all the party functionaries from all the Units attended and participated in the meeting and resolved to repose its confidence and trust in the leadership of MLA Imkong L lmchen.
The house is said to have thoroughly deliberated on the performance of the NPF Party in the State and also on its style of functioning. “It is unanimously resolved that the NPF Party cannot protect and defend the aspiration and the interest of the Naga politics in general and 28th Koridang A/C in particular and therefore cannot stand the scrutiny of the Naga People in general and 28th Koridang A/C in particular,” the release stated, adding that the party has already become ‘a redundant political institution for the mandate of the Naga people.’
“Under the given circumstances the 28th Koridang NPF on this day the 6th of May 2022 do hereby dissolve the party A/C and all constituting Units and resolve to join the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with immediate effect,” stated the release which was issued by NPF 28th Koridang A/C President Imtinungsang and General Secretary Lanutemjen Imchen.
Positive impact for party: Wokha NDPP
Welcoming the ‘merger,’ the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, Wokha Region held an emergency meeting on May 7 at its head office in Wokha. A press release issued after the meeting stated that the move had ‘given a greater positive impact towards to the party and the welfare in general,’ while adding that the house looks forward to a promising vision under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Party President Chingwang Konyak.
As per the release, John Ezung, President of NDPP Wokha region thanked the party members for giving their best to the party and urged them to continually work for the betterment of the party.
During the meeting, the house, in presence of the President, NDPP, Wokha Region, Women and Youth Organisations, and Agri and Allied, unanimously resolved to welcome the 21 NPF MLA’s who recently merged with the NDPP on April 29, the release stated.
