The attention of the NPF has been drawn to an article published in the local print media written by Thepfulhuvi Solo voicing his personal opinions on the recent political developments and the political scenario. The party feels that certain clarifications are due in order to set the record straight and make him and the general public understand the actual and accurate position.
The recent political developments wherein the sixty elected MLAs from Nagaland, under the banner of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) on the Naga political issue, had gone to New Delhi and met central leaders including the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, UPA Chairperson, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and other central leaders is indeed a landmark event in the history of the Naga political movement. Never before has the Nagaland Legislative Assembly shown so much unity, oneness and committed sincerity to collectively address the Indo-Naga political imbroglio. The commitment of all sixty members to resign from their positions to pave way for any alternative arrangement that may come about from a negotiated political settlement that is honorable and acceptable to the people is indeed unprecedented. Naga society as a whole needs to appreciate the decision of all sixty members for this gesture and also for the resolve they have shown in spirit and in action by rising above all divisions and uniting as one voice for the greater Naga cause and for forging lasting peace. The decision of the JLF to proceed to New Delhi was intended to urge upon the Government to India to expedite the peace process and bring about early political solution and the JLF is in not favour of any particular section or faction. The greater interest of the JLF was to carry the voice of the House and to facilitate towards the realisation of permanent peace and lasting political solution.
In resolution number 3 of the JLF in its meeting held on 19th July, 2012, it states that “all sixty Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have come together cutting across party lines under a joint forum in the greater interest of Naga society by responding to the cry of the people and have worked collectively in facilitating the peace process”.
Resolution number two states that “the JLF reiterates its appreciation to the undergrounds for making sacrifices in the Naga political movement and for responding to the call of the people for reconciliation by signing the Covenant of Reconciliation and the Naga Concordant. The JLF appeals to the undergrounds to adhere to the spirit of reconciliation and understanding and stand by the commitment given to the Naga people. The JLF observes that since the undergrounds are working for the greater interest of Naga society, they should listen to the voice of the people and rise above all differences making supreme sacrifices so that a collective effort is made to bring the political imbroglio to a logical conclusion.”
The resolution, while appreciating the initiatives of the FNR for its tireless efforts, observed that the civil societies, church and the FNR carry the voice of the people, who are longing for peace and solution of the Indo-Naga political problem.
It is with this approach that the JLF is playing the role of facilitator and the observation of Mr. Solo that the JLF or the Nagaland Government is supporting only one faction is not accurate. Such an observation, coming from a senior and respected citizen is unfortunate, as an intellectual like him who frequently voices his opinion in the press, is expected to better understand the bigger picture and not make irresponsible observations that have the potential to mislead the general public. We hope that others too will be more cautious in making such observations at a time when all sections of the people are seriously pushing for an early political resolution. The church has made appeals for prayer and fasting, the hohos and civil societies have urged the negotiating parties to expedite the peace process while public rallies have been planned and the JLF is playing the role of a facilitator in a manner which is unprecedented. This is the time for all Naga society to come together as one and support the peace process so that we rid our society of violence, bloodshed and gun culture.
The NPF as a democratic party fully supports and endorses the freedom of expression for each and every citizen of the State. We believe that an environment where citizens are allowed to express their views and opinions without any hurdle will strengthen democracy and contribute towards progress of society as a whole. The party is opposed to any section or individual who tries to suppress the voice of another person or group through undemocratic means using threat and intimidation in any manner. A civilised and progressive society must stand united in support of freedom of expression. However, in voicing opinions, it is crucial that accuracy of facts is maintained and irresponsible observations that have the potential to mislead the minds of the people are not made. This is all the more important on opinions that are connected with the political issue at such a crucial time when the intelligentsia of the State is expected to understand the gravity of the situation and make positive observations in the greater interest of all sections of the people irrespective of tribe, faction, party, etc.
Issued by NPF Press and Media Bureau
