Dimapur, Nov 16 (MExN): The Nagaland JD (U), a partner in the NPF-led DAN coalition, has not taken lightly to the NPF party demanding disciplinary action against DAN Chairman Dr Hokishe Sema, JD (U) MLA Huska Sumi as well as 5 other legislators over statements made in regard to the law and order situation in Nagaland. Notwithstanding the earlier sharp reaction of the NPF, the JD (U) reasserted its stand that law and order is a state subject within the state and that the Nagaland government is responsible for maintaining the same within the state.
“Law and order is a state subject within the state and the state government is responsible for maintaining law and order within the state. Under the guise of political situation, the state should not shy away from executing its prompt responsibility of maintaining law and order in the state” the JD (U) stated through its President S Limatemjen.
The JD (U) state executives held a meeting on November 14 and reviewed the political, law and order situation and had appealed to all underground groups to desist from confrontations for peace as well as for a final political settlement. With regard to a press statement by 5 senior DAN legislators towards the matter, the JD (U) reminded that it was their collective opinion on the issue. “Hence, it will not be appropriate for the NF party alone to demand disciplinary action against 5 MLAs as all of them do not belong to NPF party; in fact NPF being the major alliance partner should have initiated DAN coordination meeting for consultation and for seeking collective DAN partners’ opinion” the JD (U) rued.
The party opined that without consulting DAN partners such as the BJP and the JD (U), the NPF’s demand for disciplinary against DAN chairman Dr Hokishe Sema is unjustifiable. It is also not proper for the NPF to demand disciplinary action against JD (U) MLA Huska Sumi who belongs to a different political party, the JD (U) reminded adding that better party coordination was expected to develop mutual trust and confidence for maintenance of the pre-poll alliance.
The JD (U) also took a swipe at Home Minister Thenucho’s statement that “GoI-NSCN ceasefire not in the interest of the Nagas”, and termed it as “not acceptable”. “JD (U) party has been upholding the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN since the party’s inception in Nagaland. In the interest of the Nagas for a political talk and peaceful settlement, ceasefire is a must otherwise peaceful atmosphere, free movement, communication, contact and interaction between the negotiating parties will be hampered” the party reminded adding that even mediators would be rendered “fragile.”
The JD (U) reasserted these:Designated camps and areas have been allotted to the undergrounds so they should confine themselves to the stipulate parameters for their activities; any fraternal violent activity or clashes outside the designated parameters becomes a law and order problem affecting normal life and activity of the innocent people, villages and towns.
