Dimapur, September 14 (MExN): Responding to the reported demand for separate state for four districts in Nagaland, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) today said a juncture as now, where the Naga people are meshed in socio-political complex crises is not a time to be talking about separate states. The NPF was referring to a report that four “eastern” districts of Nagaland want a separate state carved out of Nagaland.
A clarification on the reported demand is sought from the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), after the report appeared in the media quoting Lemba Chang, reportedly president of the Chang Hoho.
Secretary of the NPF central body Licho Thonger expressed surprise at the news report which quoted a leader of a local community organization claiming aspiration of the “eastern” districts for separate statehood. “…It is not a time to talk about Union Territory or separate state among ourselves when the Naga political issue is at its crucial stage,” stated Thonger. Thonger is also former executive of the erstwhile TMDSF and TMPO (now ENSF and ENPO respectively). The NPF leader’s statement, given over phone tonight, advised strongly against fishing in troubled waters. The statement also queried whether or not Lemba Chang was appointed as ‘spokesman’ and authorized to speak on behalf of the ENPO.
“ENPO may kindly clarify,” stated Thonger. The NPF leader expressed surprise at the claimed ‘demand’ for statehood as stated by the Chang Hoho president. “Mr. Lemba Chang claimed that the idea of a separate state was mooted in 2007 by the ENPO and accused the present government of neglecting eastern Nagaland,” Thonger stated. As a matter of fact, the NPF statement said, the present DAN government during its 7 years’ tenure has done more than what the 120 years of Congress rule had done for the welfare of the people of the “eastern” districts. “We were blind followers of someone who wanted us to be their yes-men,” Thonger stated.
The NPF leader also listed a number of developmental and administrative initiated undertaken for the “eastern” districts, including the creation of two new districts and upgrading of administrative units, reservations and “taking over” educational institutes. All these could not have been possible and the Congress continued in power in Nagaland, Thonger stated. “We should be thankful to Shri. Rio-led government instead of criticizing on party lines,” the statement said.
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