DIMAPUR, AUGUST 1 (MExN): Nagaland MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said he was humbled by the decision of the NPF Legislature Party led by Chief Minister TR Zeliang for electing him as the interim President of the NPF party.
Indicating his acceptance to the appointment, the Nagaland Lok Sabha MP in a press statement issued to the media urged all rank and file of the NPF party to come and join the mainstream party fold and the majority group who are with the government - which was a clarion call given by the legislators’ wing and the Chief Minister on Monday.
Rio recalled that when he joined the Parliament, sections of the party did everything possible to obstruct his initiatives and also made all out efforts to sideline and remove him from the party to the extent of even suspending him.
“However, I remained steadfast in my faith and belief on the ideology and principles of the party and continued to work tirelessly on the responsibilities bestowed upon me by the masses,” Rio claimed adding that he held no grudge against anyone in any manner and “look forward to the cooperation of all sections, in our common endeavour of serving our people.”
Rio also pointed out that, of late, the NPF party has deviated from the “sacred commitments given to the people in the manifestos of 2008 and 2013.” Rather, the party has been running under a dictatorial environment with inner party democracy, reflection of the people’s voice and the spirit of unity totally undermined with the party operated by few individuals with self-interest, he stated.
Rio also sought to clear the air that the NPF party remains committed to the manifestos of 2008 and 2013 where the party has categorically declared that it would pave the way for a political solution that is honourable and acceptable to the people.
At the same time, the Lok Sabha MP also appealed the negotiating parties of the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, especially the Government of India, to bring early solution that is honourable and that which respects the political rights and unique history of the Naga people.
On July 31, the NPF Legislature party comprising of 36 NPF MLAs led by the Chief Minister had selected Rio as the interim president of the regional party at a meeting held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima.
