Kohima, May 27 (MExN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) today stated it is more than high time to settle or end the “mutually defeating and destructive in-fighting” caused by the suspension of former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio from the party. Meanwhile, it reiterated its stand that the suspension order of Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio was issued only after thorough scrutiny and adequate examination and observation with reference to relevant sections of the NPF Constitution, wherein neither the Party President, Dr Shürhozelie Liezetsu nor any others can interfere for personal interest.
In a press release, the party stated that no member (Active/Primary) of NPF can fool or outwit the long arm of rules and disciplines as enshrined in respective Articles of the NPF Constitution. “No space for favoritism or notoriety,” it added. “It is most unreasonable, and unacceptable that, a leader so highly respected, holding such high office and responsibilities on his shoulders, behaves so adamantly irresponsible without any sense of remorse towards the very party he was so proud of, at a juncture when party men and women in particular and the citizens in general are prayerfully looking forward for his (Neiphiu Rio) positive performance with great hope and expectations,” the party noted.
The NPF further stated that Rio, instead of letting himself carried away according to the whims and fancy of people with no knowledge of even the basics of NPF party rules, disciplines ideology and principles, “needs to religiously meditate, introspect impartially and come to modest reality, rather than obstinately stray, falling prey to wild agendas of destructive wishful thinking.”
NPF Farmers Wing
Reacting to articles regarding the suspension of Neiphiu Rio from NPF party, which have been written “undermining the actual position of NPC before 2003,” the NPF Farmers Wing HQ Kohima has stated that NPC refrained from the 1998 election in support of the Indo Naga political issue. “Otherwise, NPC was strong enough to face any eventuality under the leadership of late Vamuzo,” stated a press release issued by Lanukaba, President, NPF Farmers Wing.
It mentioned that the Naga people led by Naga Hoho with a slogan “Solution not Election” had demanded to refrain from the 1998 election. However, Congress in Nagaland ignored the call and contested the election and formed Government, it added.
Regarding the change of nomenclature from NPC to NPF, the Farmers Wing said that the decision was taken at a meeting held in Kohima in early part of 2002 under the NPC President Late. Huska Sumi. “Therefore, nobody can claim founder member of NPF... The decision to change NPC to NPF was taken by NPC leaders only at that point of time.”
The release further termed it unfortunate that few writers tried to create tribalism out of the suspension.
