NPF-Cong joint team leaves for Delhi

JLF wants GoI to clear doubts amidst talk of a March solution and impending polls

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 14 (MExN): The Joint Legislature Forum (JLF), led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will meet Central leaders at New Delhi on October 14. The 20-member team, also include Rajya MP, Khekiho Zhimomi and Lok Sabha MP, CM Chang. Eight members of the Congress, led by Leader of Opposition Tokheho Yepthomi and NPCC President and MLA SI Jamir are also part of the team.

Prior to their departure at Dimapur airport, CM Rio stated that this might be the last visit of the JLF to Delhi. “This will be our last combined effort,” said Rio, while adding, “we’re hopeful the government of India will be in a position to enlighten us, brief us.”

 Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde is reported to have commented a few days back that a solution to the more than 15 years old dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) is likely by March 2013. Queried on this, Rio responded that the JLF cannot make a comment unless they have a talk with Shinde. 

“We’re more on the listening side,” said Rio of the JLF, however he added that the JLF will definitely share its views if asked. “Otherwise, we want to know from government of India ... what is the progress and status of the peace process.” 

Nagaland is set to go to polls in March next year, and the talk of a likely solution in the offing has put a question mark on the conduct of elections; while leaving aspiring NLA candidates in jitters, most of whom have already started behind-the-scene electioneering. And the most recent reported comment of the Union Home Minister definitely has put the state government in a tight spot (more so for intending candidates) as was evident from Rio’s guarded comments. The feeling of anxiety though was not directly hinted by the CM. 

According to Rio, election, once announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has to take place, and the announcement is expected by January-February. Though not directly hinted by the CM, the announcement will clash with the likely March solution. “… and the ECI is an independent body, once they announce the election the process has to take place. So what the Government of India is thinking they should tell the people. Our wish, our desire of the 60 members is to find a solution before the general election. So now we’re awaiting the wisdom of the Central Government.”