Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): The ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) party in Nagaland has responded to the statements issued by the “GPRN/NSCN” which appeared in sections of the local media on August 2. While terming the “GPRN/NSCN” statement as uncalled attacks on the DAN government and its leader, the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, the NPF clarified that the party and the DAN Government was committed to the cause of peace, understanding and oneness in the Naga society. It assured that the chief minister as the leader of the state government has tirelessly worked for the cause of bringing peace to the land and the people.
The NPF press note issued by secretary general K G Kenyie pointed out that the DAN government has never favoured any particular group or opposed anybody. Rather the DAN and its leadership have constantly played the role of active facilitator in its endeavour to expedite the peace process, it stated. It also clarified that neither the DAN government nor the chief minister were architects of the Common Naga Platform but rather the Common Naga Platform is a product of the Naga Consultative Meet which was attended by all sections of the Naga people both overground and undergrounds. “In fact, the most significant aspect of the meet was the active participation of the underground groups, the tribal hohos and the political parties, all of who voiced the common cry for peace and understanding”, the NPF reminded.
In this regard, the NPF stated that of the six resolutions of the Naga Consultative Meet, resolution number two clearly stated that, ““a common Naga platform, independent and truly inclusive of all Nagas, be constituted to facilitate the pursuance of the proposals and recommendations made at this Meet, and for negotiating with one Naga voice with India”. In pursuance of this resolution, a Naga Common Platform has been instituted which is meant to be all inclusive and which was supported by each and every section that participated in the Naga Consultative Meet, the NPF reminded while adding that the party and the DAN government had committed its support and cooperation to this common platform.
Meanwhile, the NPF press note also clarified that the DAN Government and its leadership has never, at any point of time, equated national workers with criminals. However it pointed out that it was regrettable that Naga society is faced with multiple underground factions all of who are collecting taxes in the name of national cause. “This undeniable fact has taken a huge toll on the common people and the masses, who have to bear with the economic impact”, it stated.
The press note from the NPF also categorically stated that the NPF led DAN has the highest respect for the underground groups and observed that the national workers and the founders of the Naga movement have made great sacrifices which can never be forgotten by the present and future Naga generations. “It is because of such sacrifices by the undergrounds and even by the overgrounds that Naga society has come thus far”, it acknowledged while also adding that every Naga family has made sacrifices for the Naga cause. “These are the facts and the reasons why, the time has come upon us for all sections to rise above affiliations, differences and divisions if we are to prove to our people that we are indeed working for them”, it stated.
Pointing out that the Chief Minister has laid bare his approach for achieving lasting peace and that there was nothing to hide, the NPF stated that Rio and his government are ready to make the highest sacrifice of stepping aside to pave way to any arrangement that is brought about through a settlement that is honorable and acceptable to the people. “He has sincerely, time and again called upon all sections to rise above party lines and differences and come together so that we lay a secure and peaceful future for the present and coming generations”. As such the NPF urged everyone to respond to the cry of the people and listen to their voice “because the Naga political issue is above all else”.
The NPF also regretted that much of the discourse and statements was laying too much emphasis on the side issues and missing out on the main issue. “The need of the hour is for achieving peace and bringing about an early political settlement that is honorable and acceptable. How long will Nagas continue to be divided and be fighting amongst ourselves, making our people suffer, while the rest of the global community is marching ahead?” it questioned. It reminded that at this crucial time, it was not appropriate to resort to one-upmanship through paper wars but rather all parties, sections and groups should rise to the occasion and rededicate ourselves to the cause of lasting peace, understanding and oneness in our society and across all our lands.
