Chizokho Vero
Kohima | October 9
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today urged upon the Government of India to accelerate the peace process so that a negotiated political settlement is brought about at the earliest. Resolving this at its Central Executive Council meeting here at the NPF Central Office, the NPF reiterated its commitment that it will pave way for any alternative arrangement that may come about from the logical conclusion of the Indo- Naga political negotiation that is honorable and acceptable to the people.
The party also welcomed the initiatives of the Joint Legislator Forum (JLF) and extended its appreciation to all 60 members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the two Members of Parliament from Nagaland for meeting the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the UPA Chairperson and other GoI officials and party leaders for having appealed to the Government of India to expedite the Indo- Naga political dialogue and bring about early political solution.
The NPF also resolved that the party is committed to support the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in its efforts to foster unity, understanding and oneness under a spirit of reconciliation while urging upon all sections of the people to listen to the cry of the people for unity, peace and reconciliation. It also resolved to stands by the commitment of the party to protect the territorial integrity of the state and to continue to work towards the realization of integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas.
Further, the NPF expressed its concern on the fear psychosis that had been created in the minds of the people from the north eastern region in different parts of the country compelling them return home due to a sense of insecurity and fear. While appreciating the Government of India and concerned state governments on the measures taken up to overcome the crisis, NPF appealed to them to continue to make efforts that will win the confidence of the people of this region by assuring an environment of security, acceptance and belonging.
Earlier, NPF President Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Minister for Agriculture Dr. Chumben Murry and Minister for Forest M.C Konyak addressed the meeting. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the NPF led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) has created a history to rule the state for two consecutive terms and it has made a lot of achievements to the people and the state.
From inception of the NPF, Rio said the party holds the same symbol, same theme (Fide non armis), adding it represent the aspiration of the people, to uphold Naga identity and the rich culture and tradition of Nagas.
In DAN’s tenure, Rio said that because of ceasefire and its approach to the peace process, the state witnessed peaceful atmosphere and less violence. On Naga political problem, Rio told the meeting that the JLF is going to meet political parties and also have detail discussion with Union Home Minister on October 14.
Touching on party front, Rio said the NPF have already penetrated into Manipur state. Referring to Arunachal Pradesh, Rio said the NPF is going to meet other political parties there before its formal launch. He also stated that one deserving point of the party is that of the recognition of Nagas in Myanmar. We don’t want to take full credit but we have initiated it, Rio said.
Stating that emotional integration is very important, Rio said the party looks forward for Nagas to grow from strength to strength. Rio also stated that if election is to come, any party and candidate have to be prepared. He also told the party workers that if anyone is found speaking against the party the party cannot keep quiet. He asserted that family problems cannot be taken to the street saying that solution cannot be found in the streets but solution will come from across the table.
He also cautioned the party workers to be more careful “because this is election year.” Asking the party workers to avoid individual interest, Rio looked forward to their unflinching support and cooperation from the party workers so that if election comes, the party will come back and run the affairs of the state.
NPF President Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu in his address said the meeting was called to discuss various developments that have been taking place in the recent past and to update themselves to the given situation.
He informed the gathering that the legislators of the 11th House of Nagaland Legislative Assembly have come together and formed the Joint Legislators’ Forum for the purpose of facilitating the ongoing peace process. “As a political party, the NPF has appreciated the efforts and initiative of the Joint Legislators’ Forum,” he said and termed the coming together of the 60 members, cutting across party lines as “unique.”
“It is unique because the purpose for which they come together is historic. This is a development that never happened in the past and we can never expect to it happen again in future also,” he said.
The party was hopeful that the different conflicting parties should seize this opportunity and act timely in solving the Naga political problem.
Further, Dr. Liezietsu said NPF is committed to the declaration made in its election manifesto to pave the way for the smooth transition of power in the event of an honourable settlement acceptable to the people arrived at.
Earlier, Apong Pongener, working president NPF chaired the introductory session while welcome address was delivered by Dr. I. Longri, vice president. NPF general secretary Basu Damani proposed vote of thanks.
