Dimapur, November 20 (MExN): Against the backdrop of the current political situation in the State and the stand being taken by political parties on the question of an impending solution and Assembly election slated for March 2013, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has issued a significant statement pointing out that the “imposition of President’s Rule is unhealthy for democracy, especially in India, which is the world’s largest democratic nation”.
Appreciating these facts of history, Rio also stated that “responsible elected Members should not create any situation where imposition of President’s Rule is even considered”. Rio made this comment in a letter addressed to SI Jamir, President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) while responding to an earlier letter from the NPCC.
Stating that it was a suppression of people’s mandate and disrespect for the voice of the masses, Rio wrote that “the Naga people are against President’s Rule and it is our responsibility to protect the desire and will of the people”. Interestingly, Rio, who is also the head of the government, mentioned that “we will not take any step that will bring a situation of President’s Rule and impose undemocratic rule against the will of the people”.
Continuing on the point of President’s Rule, the Chief Minister told the NPCC President that over the past decades President’s Rule has been imposed upon the Naga people on several occasions citing various reasons. Rio stated that the memories of the sufferings that the people of Nagaland have undergone during these dark periods, when popular governments were not allowed to rule, are still fresh in the minds of the people.
In this regard, the Chief Minister has sought the continued support of the Congress and to stand committed to “realize an honorable and acceptable political solution that may come about from the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations that will bring about lasting peace”. Rio also wrote that the DAN appreciated the participation of the Congress Members in the JLF and pointed out that a united JLF under the leadership of the Honorable Speaker has made significant contributions towards the peace process.
Rio has also informed the NPCC President about the other resolutions taken during a meeting of the DAN Legislature Party, which includes the NPF and independent Members, held on 19th November, 2012 at Kohima. The letter stated that the NPF led DAN coalition has always maintained a consistent stand and approach to the Indo-Naga political problem.
It stated that since 2003, the DAN has committed to play the role of facilitator to the ongoing political dialogue by supporting the peace process. The NPF and DAN had committed to pave way in the event of an honorable and acceptable political solution that may come about from the negotiations and peace process.
As per the resolution, this commitment was again reiterated in its election manifesto of 2008 where it is clearly stated that we will “continue to play a mediatory role for any peace talks with the Centre and to pave way for any alternative arrangement in case of an honorable and acceptable settlement of the Naga political issue”.
The NPF has further reiterated this political commitment several times through unanimous Resolutions adopted by the CEC and the General Convention of the party, Rio stated.
Further, according to Rio, the JLF’s resolution of 19th July, 2012, in serial number three states that, “The JLF appeals to the negotiating parties of the of the Indo-Naga peace process, especially the Government of India, to expedite the political dialogue, so that an early negotiated settlement, that is honorable and acceptable to the people is arrived at”.
Likewise, the JLF had put on record 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.
In this regard, the JLF declared its commitment that all sixty Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have resolved to pave way from our present positions for any alternative arrangement that may come about from logical conclusion of the ongoing peace process”.
This Resolution, signed by the Leader of Opposition, the NPCC President, the Honorable Speaker, the NPF President and the Chief Minister, is quite clear, Rio stated in his letter to the NPCC. “The above mentioned Resolution states that Members of the JLF would step down in the event of a solution being arrived at. Until then we will continue to play the role of facilitator”.
Pointing out that the NPF led DAN coalition is a popular government that enjoys the mandate and confidence of the people, Rio stated that this mandate of the people has been reposed consecutively over the past ten years through several democratic elections including assembly elections, Rajya Sabha elections, Lok Sabha elections, and bye elections for the Assembly and the Lok Sabha.
“As a elected government that carries the popular mandate of the masses, the NPF will never run away from its responsibilities but rather we will continue to respect and uphold the people’s voice and carry out our Constitutional duties and responsibilities”, Rio stated.
