Dimapur, January 31 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today appealed for a united voice, patience and cautioned to the state and people to be wary not to provoke “the situation” arising from the Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO) demanding a separate state. The NPF was responding to the opposition Congress, and adding to the statement from the Chief Minister’s Office earlier.
Appended by NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie, the party said the people are appreciating the statement of (Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president) SI Jamir on the “ENPO issue.” But, the party said, the statement of the Congress Legislature Party is contradictory. “In a sensitive issue of this nature, the party and the legislature are expected to have one voice,” the NPF said.
The regional party leader assured the NPF’s commitment to work and assist in any manner on any peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue and equally stand against any force that would further divide the Nagas.
“The demand of ENPO for a separate state has become a sensitive issue in the sense that presumably it is influenced by the divide and rule policy of others from without. Therefore, under such a situation no amount of debate among the Naga people can alter the course unless we come together and make our people understand the ground realities,” the NPF said. “We believe in the goodness of our people and therefore nobody will agree to any move which may create further division among the Nagas at this juncture when the political turn of events has reached such a crucial stage.”
On the people of the eastern regions of Nagaland, the NPF said they have been contributing ‘greatly’ in protecting the political rights of the people “throughout, which we firmly believe, they will not dismantle by themselves.” For this reason, the party said, the more important thing for the moment is to create ‘proper understanding among the people’ so the Nagas can take the right stand together as one.
Further, the party said debate is beneficial only in the right perspective but one on the wrong platform can “sometimes” ignite provocation. “I appeal to the conscience of our people to refrain from provoking the situation and that alone can prove our maturity. Let us keep little patience for the healing process. Nagas will continue to stand together as one body,” the statement said.
