Morung Express News
Kohima | March 29
Nagaland State Chief Minister and NPF President, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu today stated that while the NPF supports the Framework Agreement arrived between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), this does not mean that the party supports one Naga political group.
Speaking at the Kohima Division NPF Leaders’ Convention here today, the CM said that the NPF stands for inclusiveness of all groups and sections of the Naga society while arriving at a final solution.
“We have made it clear to the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) that to bring about a final and acceptable solution to the Naga political problem, all Naga political groups and sections of the people must be included in the process. Their views and aspirations must be considered if we are to have permanent peace in the land,” he asserted.
Lamenting that “Nagas are fragmented into several groups,” he questioned: “Can we expect all of them to bring different sovereignty to the Naga people? Whether they like it or not, it is time that we speak out the truth. We must tell the different Naga political groups to come together and that all of them must be included to bring about a permanent settlement.”
Dr. Liezietsu stated that the core focus for his government will be on solving the Naga political issue. “We must work for development but our main focus now is towards the integration of all Nagas, our most important challenge is to solve the Naga Political issue during our time. We cannot pass this issue to our children. To bring peace and conciliation must be our greatest emphasis,” he said.
On the political development where former Member of Parliament Chingwang Konyak is expected to announce formation of a political party in the next few days, Dr Shürhozelie said in a democratic set up there can be several political parties and asked the people not to be alarmed or swayed away.
“As I see it, at present, there is no alternative to the NPF in Nagaland,” he said. “We should be matured enough to consider for ourselves which political ideologies and principles are best for the people and which are detrimental,” he added.
He further stated that to run a government is a collective responsibility, while expressing disappointment over the recent attacks against the government.
“Many have tried to go against the government. In some areas, we might be wrong but in some unnecessarily, we have been criticized,” he claimed.
He meanwhile viewed that elections are a new concept in Naga society, where voting is done on affiliations to the village or community. A person is never elected because of his party, the CM stated, and urged people to understand a party and to vote according to its visions, policies and ideologies.
What do people want? asks Zeliang
Former CM and DAN Chairman, TR Zeliang meanwhile asked questions on how the state would go forward with regard to the ULB issue.
“If Naga people are not happy, how do we make them happy? We need to discuss. They did not want election, so we cancelled it. They wanted me to resign so I resigned. What do they want? We need to discuss within a month or two.
If they do not give suggestions, we need to ask them to give. Or did they only protest to let me resign? If they wanted development or wanted to change the Municipal Act, they should have told by now. Waiting for me to resign and remaining silent now, it is not complete,” Zeliang stated.
Zeliang also raved about the developments of the government such as the Smart City project, four lane road constructions etc. He informed that Rs 28 crores (first installment) was sanctioned last week for the Medical College in Kohima, and that work will begin since the land compensation has all been paid.
He also informed that Rs 250 Crore has been sanctioned for the Dimapur Road project from Golaghat, Purana to Chumukedima, and Kohima Police check Gate to Lerie road project, the tender for which will be opened on April 5.
Minister for Social Welfare Kiyaneilie Peseyie, while stating that upholding the party policy and ideology is important, however viewed that working for the party with integrity is more important. “We do not know how much we have done for the people, only God will know. But we have worked for the people. Whatever people may say or criticize does not matter as long as we work with integrity,” he said.
Goneiu Sirie, in his presidential address recalled the history of the NPF party and stressed on the need to focus towards enlarging the party. “Uphold, respect and strengthen it further,” urged Sirie, who added: “Our leaders are manning the government with great wisdom and we trust in their leadership, we trust that the decisions they make are for the good of the people.”
