Dimapur, Dec 17 (MExN): Letting in his lot for NPF in its bid for second term come 2008 general elections, Parliamentary Secretary Hewoto Awomi raised the banner of regionalism once again on the assertion that through it, ‘winds of change’ are blowing and the people have tasted its fruits. And it is sweet and ‘hence we should opt for NPF’.
“The Naga people are at a turning point in history. We are a unique people and we have to retain our unique identity. In regionalism, we can identify ourselves and our uniqueness” the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Parliamentary Secretary asserted at a Dimapur 1 A/C NPF meeting held December 16.
“This is not so in the national political parties where everything is controlled by the powers that be at the central level. Hence if we are to retain our uniqueness and protect out identity, we should opt for regionalism under the banner of Nagaland people’s front.The NPF is the only regional political party from the state to have lasted this long in power and we will complete our full terms” he said reminding of the NPF’s commitment to regionalism.
The commitment and cooperation people have rendered to the party has brought about the winds of change in a state once neglected and downtrodden. In the pre-poll campaign of the last general elections, the NPF-led DAN alliance had committed to bringing in the socio-economic and political spheres encompassing the Naga society and ‘with the blessing of the Almighty God and unflinching and selfless sacrifice of the people, DAN came into power.
“…it is absolutely true to say that after decades of uncertainty and social unrest, the DAN government has ushered in a relatively peaceful atmosphere. Progress and development are continuing on a large scale; people move around during evening hours without fear; one should just look around the town and compare the same during the reign of the previous state government – you will find that there are drastic changes which even the deaf and the blind can feel. The winds of change are blowing and will continue to blow throughout the land” the Parliamentary Secretary said.
He also reminded that the people have tasted the fruits of regionalism “just once” and “we know that the fruit is sweet”. He declared that if the NPF party is elected to power for “two to three terms more”, maximum aspiration of the people such as the desire for permanent peace, greater development, augmented economic prosperity etc would be fulfilled “since this is a government led by a party which has principle, discipline and genuine concern for the people whom we represent”. The NPF-led DAN alliance under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has delivered the goods to the people, Awomi declared which, he added, is unlike the previous government where corruption and wanton governance was at “its highest’”. He invited all to join the NPF: “it is my humble request to all of you in particular and the people of Nagaland in general to vote the NPF back to power because we have one goal – to steer the Nagas towards a better and brighter future….it’s the least anyone should do for one’s own motherland.
On other pressing issues, Awomi expressed regret that Dimapur 1 A/C has yet to “produce” an NPF legislator but hastened to accept that this is “God’s plan” since the incumbent representative “is also an alliance partner.” He, nevertheless, expressed optimism that an NPF legislator would surface in the Dimapur 1 constituency. And he backs as candidate, Atomi Zhimomi, NPF Youth Spokesperson (Industry & Commerce Minister Khekiho Zhimomi’s eldest son) who is a “young, bright and determined young leader”. The people should come forward and repose their faith in young Zhimomi and “make right choice and decision”, according to the Parliamentary secretary. “Then only can peace, prosperity and development be attained in the society”, he added.
