Dimapur, May 30 (MExN): The NDPP-BJP today clarified that it never filed an FIR ordering the arrest of NPF President, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu for “giving an inflammatory speech at an election rally held at Kohima,” as alleged by the NPF.
“The NDPP-BJP had never filed an FIR but have filed our respective complaints with the Returning Officer,” stated NDPP, Media & Communication Committee in a press communiqué, refuting the allegation.
The respective complaints, it said, were filed with the Returning Officer, 1 – Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency as well as the Election Commission of India against Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, alleging he violated the Model Code of Conduct by making “inflammatory speeches” on May 15 at Ura Academy Kohima.
The clarification came against the backdrop of the NPF supremo Dr. Liezietsu reportedly applying for anticipatory bail over the issue.
The communiqué stated that Dr. Shürhozelie, through the NPF Press Bureau, Central Headquarters has now claimed that his statement was made to protect Article 25 of the Constitution of India on the freedom of religion, “which is unfounded, since Section 1 of Article 25 of the Constitution clearly states – “Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion: Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate religion.”
While claiming that NDPP-BJP does not refute or challenge what has been laid down Constitutionally, it said, “However, ever since the by-elections to the Lok Sabha seat was announced by the ECI on the April 26, 2018, the MCC was in place in the entire state of Nagaland and all the provisions under the RPA 1951 thereof was enforced.”
Therefore, as Section 1 of Article 25 of the Constitution states, “Subject to public order…” it is considered that both the MCC as well as the RPA are public orders, since they define the dos and don’ts during the election process being in place throughout the State, the communiqué stated.
It further mentioned that even in normal circumstances, the IPC which governs all criminal and other activities clearly stated, under section 153A that, “Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony….” is punishable under law.
“Therefore, the claims of Dr. Shürhozelie of propagating and defending Article 25 of the Constitution of India holds no merit as he is still in violation of Sections 3 of the MCC, 125 of the RPA ad Section 153A of the IPC,” the communiqué asserted. “Therefore, the NPF Party should not be trying to justify its Presidents actions while it is very clear that he has violated laws under the Constitution of India,’ it reiterated.
“The PDA is not vindictive in any manner, but we have only complained to the Election Commission of India on the grounds that the NPF President has tried to influence voters on the grounds of religion and we have asked the appropriate authority to ensure justice as per the law. The President knows very well what he uttered and his taking anticipatory bail speaks volume of his guilt,” it concluded.
