KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 29 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Saturday rejected the allegations made by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) linking the party and the State government to the denial of visa to American evangelist Rev Franklin Graham.
In a press rejoinder, the NPF said the accusations were “baseless” and asserted that neither the party nor the State government had any role in the visa decision. It said the visa was solely under the purview of the Government of India.
The party said Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio had written multiple official communications to the Union Home Minister seeking facilitation of Graham’s visit. According to the NPF, letters were sent on July 18, October 29, November 17 and November 26, requesting early issuance of the visa.
The party said the State government had not received any response from the Ministry of Home Affairs as of November 29. It further said that Graham’s team had also not received any update from the Indian Embassy in Washington till November 28.
The NPF said the State government had made preparations to welcome Graham to the opening ceremony of the Hornbill Festival and termed the NPCC’s allegations as an attempt to politicise the issue. The party also referred to the State Cabinet’s January 6 resolution seeking withdrawal of the re-imposed Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime, and its own Central Executive Council’s November 27 decision to support the Cabinet resolution.
Stating that it had always upheld Naga identity, culture and faith, the NPF urged the public not to be influenced by “politically motivated statements.” The party said it regretted the visa denial but maintained that the decision was beyond its control.
