Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 29
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) during its Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting held here today resolved to appeal to the central government not to impose “Good Governance Day” coinciding Christmas Day (25th December) “as the day is most revered by the Christian community.”
The House unanimously resolved to support the Nagaland Legislative Assembly resolution, during the winter session held on November 22 to 24, revoking the restriction on Women Reservation Act being passed on September 22, 2012 by the NLA.
The CEC also resolved to continue to extend its support to the ongoing peace process between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India and reiterated the stand that “Integration is and must be an integral part of the dialogue.” The house fully endorsed the appeal made by Chief Minister TR Zeliang to the leadership of NSCN (K) in Myanmar recently to renew the ceasefire and enter the peace process dialogue to pursue peaceful and honorable settlement with both the Government of Myanmar and the Government of India.
The party also felt it pertinent to urge the state government to take stringent step in protecting flora and fauna of the state.
Municipal election in February 2017
Chief minister TR Zeliang said that amongst the several reasons why the government decided to go ahead with women reservation is that “we stand for women empowerment, and we believe that giving this 33% reservation in municipalities will be one important step towards women empowerment.”
“Let me appeal again to the party and party men to support it, and help in its smooth implementation through mass awareness campaign and mobilization of public opinion in its favour,” said Zeliang in his speech read out by advisor to CM Apong Pongener in his absence.
The Chief Minister also stressed on the need to start preparing for the municipal election, which is likely to take place sometime in the first week of February 2017.
Stating that Nagaland assembly election is also not too far away now, he said “As a consequence of our forming an opposition-less government our party will have to fight the next election with a slightly modified support base in many constituencies. Many of our party candidates although not being new comers, may be fighting the next election under “Cock” symbol for the first time.”
In this, he said there is a need to start the process of some adjustments between old and new members at the assembly constituency and block levels.
While the government is open to constructive criticism and positive suggestions, party men should also refrain from negative altitude, loose talks and backstabbing at all costs, he said.
NPF legislators dismayed over Nagaland Governor’s statement
Legislators of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) at the meeting expressed dismay over the statement of Nagaland’s Governor in media that the present government as “corrupt government.”
Home Minister Y. Patton said the cabinet is going to meet the Governor soon.
Patton said “before things become too serious” the party leaders should also give him (Governor) courtesy call.
He also said BJP should not think that NPF is giving step motherly treatment to them, but remember that “you are surviving because of NPF.”
Minister for National Highway Nuklutoshi also said that BJP is a partner of DAN alliance and going together for the last 13/14 years, but condemning own government through media is unbecoming.
The minister also lamented that some ‘unrecognized’ NGOs are acting more powerful than the recognized NGOs, and stressed that the government should ‘derecognize’ those societies.
NPF to field candidates in all Naga dominated A/Cs in Manipur election
On the forthcoming general election in Manipur scheduled in early 2017, NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said the NPF party is expected to field candidates in all the constituencies in Naga dominated areas.
“The party is expected to declare names of the candidates in a week time,” he informed. The NPF president also revealed that the party has two candidates from Kuki community and a candidate in one Assembly Constituency in the plain sector. (Jiribam in East Manipur). “The Congress position is eroding day by day in the Hill areas. Many of them have joined us and some of them have joined BJP also,” Dr Shurhozelie claimed.
