Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 23
The ire of the Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu led Naga People’s Front (NPF) over the alleged inaction of the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) over several political issues erupted today with several hundred party workers, led by its President, protesting in front of the Civil Secretariat courting arrest.
The sit-in indefinite dharna spearheaded by its Central Youth Wing, among others, is directed against alleged inaction of the NLA in delivering judgment on disqualification issue, recognition of NPF Legislature Party leader and NPF Chief Whip.
Vows to ‘fight against unconstitutional activities’
Explaining the reason behind the protest, NPF President Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu said the youth wing has decided to take up this issue through peaceful means to protect the right of the Naga people.
“We are here to demonstrate for the democratic rights of the Naga people,” said Dr. Shürhozelie while addressing the crowd. He vowed to fight against “unconstitutional activities” till justice is delivered.
Stating that the Naga people are silent so far, he said “Naga people understand who is right and who is wrong. Since this is people’s movement, people will come forward to join us to protect the rights of the people of Nagaland.”
Nagaland has an unconstitutional government, Dr. Shürhozelie alleged adding that the Governor of Nagaland, who is supposed to be the custodian of the Constitution of India, had installed and continuously supported the unconstitutional government.
The central government may not be in the full knowledge of what is going on here and few “reckless, ambitious” leaders might have misinterpreted the whole situation to the centre. “Yet, we believe that central government will not blindly continue to support this kind of illegal movement,” he added.
No forces can be allowed to destroy rule of law
MLA Yitachu said the party is not against any group forming the government as per the law, adding “We are ready to cooperate with any government that comes to power as per the rule but we cannot allow any government to run without the maintaining the law and without the mandate of good citizens.”
Stating that NPF has taken up this issue to protect the rights of the people, he said, “We will bring logical conclusion with all these issues and give a White Paper to the Naga people.”
Till the Speaker responds to the demand of the party at the earliest, the party will continue to protest, he added.
‘Speaker action and behavior is totally unbecoming’
Castigating the Speaker, MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu claimed that its legislators and the youth wing had apprised him of the situation. But the Speaker did not react, he alleged.
“On top of that, what is most shocking is reply came from the Chief Minister’s Office. The functioning of these offices is totally different,” Azo said.
Azo also charged that the Chief Minister has taken over the Speaker‘s office. He urged the Court not to delay in delivering judgment on the current crisis.
Ready to court arrest, dharna to continue
Meanwhile, Dr. Shurhozelie said that to start with the ‘indefinite dharna,’ he had applied to the deputy commissioner, who is the competent authority to issue permission.
“We will continue whether they give permission or not. This is our right. We will continue and we will remain peaceful,” he said.
According to Media & Press Bureau of NPF Central Headquarters, the Party youth wing had written to the district administration seeking permission to hold the protest but the request was denied.
“This led to the Party President alongwith several party MLAs and senior party functionaries daring the administration to arrest them for holding a peaceful and democratic agitation seeking early and timely resolution to what it considered as gross violations of the Constitution,” he added.
According to NPF Central Youth Wing, the second day of the dharna on October 24 will start from 11AM. It will be addressed by NPF central leaders including MLAs CL John, P. Longon and Dr. Chotisuh Sazo.
