Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 14
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today said that resolution of the Naga political issue is the top most priority of Naga People’s Front (NPF) as spelt out in the party election manifesto.
“We will continue to work with the tribal hohos and its apex bodies, the church, civil societies, NGOs and the NNPGs to reach the final settlement for the Naga Political issue. We will strive for a solution that is honourable and inclusive,” CM said at the NPF Kohima division general election kick-off rally here at NPF Central office conference hall.
The five NPF candidates from Kohima division includes; 8th Western Angami A/C Keneizhakho Nakhro, 9th Kohima town A/C Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutso, 10 Northern Angami I A/C Khriehu Liezietsu, 14th Southern Angami I A/C Khrielezo Bio and 15th Southern Angami II A/C Er.Kropol Vitsu.
There were all present at the rally.
“For the last 55 years, NPF has given voice to the Nagas and was all for solution of the Naga political issue before the elections to Legislative Assembly,” the CN said. However, we had to join the electoral process as it’s a Constitutional and legal requirement and we did not want a repeat of 1998 or let the state go through President’s Rule, he said.
While we are confident of sweeping the elections, we stand by our commitment to keep solution first and are committed to make way for any new dispensation that would be required once final settlement is reached, he informed. He said NPF launched election campaign with “Mission to Transform Nagaland towards A New Vision, A New Image and A New Future.”
Stating that the NPF has always been true to its name and philosophy, he said that the roots of our party lay in the never dying spirit of Naga nationalism imbibed with the deep compassion for the sufferings of our people.
At present, we are also the only ruling party in the North East region, excluding Sikkim, holding aloft the torch of regionalism, the CM said adding “We were the first government in the North East region; aligned with the ruling BJP- led NDA Government at the Centre.” He also added, “I always believe that we will be treated with care and respect by mainland India, and the rest of the world, only if we firmly maintain our unique tribal and regional identity.”
The CM said that the prime focus for “our government will be development and building of infrastructure.” He said the NDPP knows their size they ran for seat sharing chasing BJP Central Leaders to Ghy-Delhi back to state and ran to Delhi with an offer of seat 20/30/40 where as we were asked to share 15 which could not be agreed because it was not practicable in Nagaland politics.
NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu said the 2018 General Election is not just a contest between the political parties for the formation of government, but it will be a contest between outside forces and the force of the Naga people.
The 2018 election is so much unlike the other elections, and that it is a selection between the destruction or preservation of the Naga people and their identity, he said, adding the 2018 election is unlike the other election battle between various political parties, but it will be a testing of our faith to God.
India being a secular nation and Article 25 says to safeguard all the religion but BJP with their religion wing RSS is penetrating and dominating all the other minority states, he said. NPF president cited that in rural areas NPF is recognized by the cock symbol and the BJP is regarded as saffron party. He said BJP is free to contest in any constituency, but BJP is coming to Nagaland aggressively and ask for seat sharing with the NPF but NPF can never commit such sharing with BJP.
He said during the time NDPP came forward and offered a huge seat sharing to BJP and thus gave 20 seats to BJP. “NDPP leaders with their self interest are now inviting the BJP to set its root in our land.” he alleged.
Dr. Liezietsu said Naga people can clearly see that BJP is shouldering with some selfish Naga leaders is penetrating to our land. Naga people should realise that this is not just politics but something else where we might lose our identity and faith one day, the present politics is beyond politics.
Earlier, NPF Kohima division president Gonei-u Sirie delivered welcome address while the programme was chaired by Khriezobeinuo Sanchu, convenor campaign committee Kohima division.
