DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 (MExN): Nagaland State Member of Parliament to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio today tendered his resignation as President of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), and accused Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang of carrying out a signature campaign behind his back.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Rio said that he had only taken the mantle of NPF President after Zeliang “had misunderstandings and conflict” with the former Chief Minister and then NPF President Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu.”
“I attended a meeting of Legislators at the State Banquet Hall wherein I was compelled to take up the responsibility of Interim President of the NPF. Much against my wishes, the Honorable MLA s and yourself included, pressured me to accept the president-ship even though I had clearly voiced my reluctance to be elected as interim president. However, since the whole House was unanimous that I be elected as interim president, I humbly accepted the imposed responsibility…” he added.
“Now, you have led a signature campaign to go back to Dr. Shurhozelie and remove me as the President. As stated, I took over the presidenship on the demand of the MLAs and party leaders under your leadership and your request. Therefore, if you were of the opinion that I am no longer required, then it should have been informed to me and I would have willingly resigned, as I only took up the responsibility due to the request of you and your colleagues. It was not necessary to carry out a signature campaign behind my back,” the Lok Sabha MP said.
Rio further said he would inform the Election Commission of India on his decision to step down as NPF President.
Door for reconciliation open: CM
Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today stated that a reconciliation move within the NPF is on the cards. Speaking to media persons today, he stated: “Reconciliation move is from our side also…Now we have asked everybody to come together.” He cited the longing for a solution to the Naga political issue before the Assembly polls as reason for this move. “If Naga people want to unite, why we NPF also should be divided?” he stated.
Health Minister Imkong L. Imchen, while confirming the latest development, regarded the “reconciliation” as the consequence of an “imperative on our part to reconcile in the greater interest of the Nagas” and also in compliance with the Election Commission of India’s call for the party to come together taking into consideration the Indo-Naga political process and the hope of an amicable solution.
Post the “reconciliation,” Imchen tipped the number of NPF legislators at 38 plus 8 independents – 28 NPF and 7 independents in the Zeliang camp and 10 NPF and 1 independent in the Dr. Liezietsu camp - in support of the present government. The Zeliang camp has openly sided with the BJP, on this he said that the “status quo” with the BJP would continue.
MLA and Dr. Liezietsu supporter Yitachu said that reconciliation between TR Zeliang and Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu has come about. The move, he said, has been to secure the NPF which termed as a “hard won party.” On the fate of the NPF’s ties with the BJP, Yitachu maintained that it be the prerogative of the NPF as a party.
NPF secretary general and Rajya Sabha member, KG Kenye asserted that it will continue to uphold the decision of its severed ties with the BJP. He expressed belief that the reconciling MLAs are clearly aware of this and returned. He viewed the development as the result of Dr. Liezietsu’s call to all the NPF MLAs to unite back in November. A late reaction, nevertheless a happy one, he said.
“Will be issuing a statement in a few days time, let the dust settle down first,” he added.
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