Neiphiu Rio addressing the 3rd General Convention of NDPP in Kohima on Nov 8. (Morung Photo)
Party’s 3rd General Convention held in Kohima
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 8
Nagaland’s chief minister Neiphiu Rio today said that Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) is a people’s movement with a cadre-based structure.
“We are a regional party with distinct regional identity, having a national outlook and we act keeping in mind global needs and concerns,” Rio said while addressing the 3rd General Convention of NDPP here at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
He said having won 18 seats in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly followed by the victory in the bye-elections to the Lok Sabha, the NDPP is the predominant party in Nagaland today.
“As a regional party based on the foundations of democracy and justice, we represent the voice and aspirations of the people and for us the ultimate high command of the party are the grass roots,” Rio said.
On Indo-Naga- political issue
Stating that at the top of the NDPP agenda is “our continuous strive for resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue,” Rio said that “We will continue to play the role of facilitator to the ongoing political dialogue and do everything that is possible to create an environment that is conducive towards realization of an early solution.”
Rio appealed to the negotiating parties of the political dialogue, especially the Government of India, to expedite the process and bring about an honorable solution that is democratic in nature and is inclusive and acceptable to the people.
Stressing on the need to build unity and oneness of the entire Naga family under a spirit of solidarity, he appealed all sections of people including the mass based organisations, civil society, tribal organizations. churches and NGOs and the people as a whole to come together under a spirit of brotherhood and oneness.
On the move of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to reconstitute the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF), he said the reconstitution of the JLF sends the right signal to all sections that elected members are willing to set aside party affiliations for the sake of Naga unity and realization of true peace.
Rio also reiterated the commitment of the PDA Government that “we will leave no stone unturned in our ambition of bringing all round progress and development.” He said the PDA will continue to function with collective responsibility as a united and cohesive team.
He called upon all citizens of the state to come forward and join the party in this “collective journey.”
Let us leave aside our affiliations and work for the greater good of the larger Naga family. Let us make sacrifices today for a brighter Nagaland tomorrow. Let us follow the philosophy of “deeds not words" in letter and spirit,” he said.
PDA envisions a prosperous Nagaland: Chingwang
NDPP president Chingwang Konyak in his speech said Nagaland is in dire need of good governance, transparency and accountability, and assured that “PDA alliance shall make efforts at all level of government to combat corrupt practices, nepotism and misuse of government machineries for personal gain.”
Lok Sabha MP Tokheho Yepthomi said that Naga political talk is almost in the final stage, adding that if settlement is arrived when PDA government is in power in Nagaland it would go a long way in the history of Nagaland state. In this, he urged upon all the responsible leaders in the government to be a sincere facilitator for final settlement.
Deputy chief minister, Y. Patton said the BJP is solidly behind NDPP and maintaining pre-poll alliance.
He also stressed on the need to have a strong and stable government to bring all round development.
Atul Bora, president Assam Gana Parishad (AGP) said North East region is contributing towards nation building process but the region is faced with various political, economic challenges, including developmental. In this he said all the NE states have to make coordinated and unified moves to overcome the challenges faced by the region.
Dr Jemino Mawthoh, United Democratic Party, Meghalaya said the people of the region crave for “unity, development and peace”. The region has great potential with ethnic diversity, rich culture and hidden treasure and it is time to showcase to the world, he added.
Kaito G. Aye, minister for agriculture & cooperation, Tongpang Ozukum, minister for PWD Nagaland and Ato Yepthomi, president National People’s Party Nagaland also spoke at the convention. A message from Nagaland State BJP president, Temjen Imna Along was also read out at the convention.
