DIMAPUR, JULY 18 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today issued a notice to its MLAs stating that the party has not authorized any person or authority other than Social Welfare Minister, Kiyaneilie Peseyie to be the Whip of the NPF Legislature Party.
The members of the NPF Legislature Party are therefore hereby directed to adhere to the decisions of the NPF party, a press note from the NPF Working Presidents Apong Pongener and Huska Yepthomi said.
The NPF, it said has authorized Kiyaneilie Peseyie to issue directions for matters contemplated under the above quoted provisions of the Tenth Schedule. The party added that the NLA has also by notification, dated November 15, 2014 endorsed and/or recognized the appointment of Kiyaneilie Peseyie as the Chief Whip of the NPF Legislature Party.
It further reiterated that the meeting of party legislators at Dimapur on July 4 was “not a valid meeting of the NPF Legislature Party.” “Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu still remains the leader of the NPF Legislature Party as well the DAN Legislature Party. Also in terms of the protocol only the leader of the Legislature Party can summon the members of the Legislature Party, that too, after notice to each Member with the date, time and venue of such meeting,” it noted.
It further claimed that there has been “no split or merger of the NPF Party. The NPF Party remains united and in full and complete support of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and the Council of Ministers.”
“The dissenting MLAs may claim that they have majority in numbers. However, they must not lose sight of the fact that they continue to be Legislators belonging to the NPF Party. Given this irrefutable and inescapable position, MLAs may further take note of the provisions of law with regard to Party affairs,” it said.
The NPF cited relevant provisions including the Tenth Schedule Paragraph 1 (C) and Paragraph 2 which entails “disqualification on ground of defection- (1) Subject to the provisions of [paragraphs 4 and 5], a member of the House belonging to any political party shall be disqualified for being a member of the House- (a) if he has voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party; or (b) if he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by the political party to which he belongs or by any person or authority authorised by it in this behalf, without obtaining, in either case, the prior permission of such political party, person or authority and such voting or abstention has not been condoned by such political party, person or authority within fifteen days from the date of such voting or abstention.”
