Chizokho Vero
Kohima | January 31
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today distributed party tickets and announced various welfare packages through its manifesto for the February 23 polls in Nagaland. Speaking at the ticket distribution ceremony here at NPF Central office HQ, NPF President Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu challenged the party to move forward to face elections. Later, he released manifesto of NPF and other booklet entitled “The choice before the people.”
Reminding the party workers on NBCC’s Clean Election Campaign and Election Commission of India (ECI) directives on Model Code of Conduct for elections, he called upon the candidates and party workers to ensure that the laid down rules are not violated.
“Let us keep in mind that we don’t violate the desire of our people or go against the rules laid down by the Commission,” he said.
He said that solution to the long standing Indo-Naga political problem was placed as its political agenda besides development and welfare programmes. He announced that the NPF will continue to press for peace, unity and early settlement of the Naga political problem.
Liezietsu said the NPF is facilitating the peace process. He termed the formation of Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) by all 60 members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly along with 2 MPs as “unique development.”
He said that forum had conveyed to central leaders that “we want early solution before election,” also any solution that is on the card should be inclusive of all the factions and must be honorable and acceptable to the people.
Stating that the JLF has made their points very clear to the central leaders “we want solution before election,” he said that it had done its part but regretted that “Indian government” had failed to respond to the elected representatives in time.”
Stating that DAN has completed two tenures, he exuded confidence that the NPF would install the government for third time.
He said that NPF has advantage as there is no leadership crisis within the party. “We are always one.”
NPF chief called upon the party workers to work hard and deliver goods to the people of Nagaland.
Claiming that the party had done well in 10 years time, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is advisor NPF said the NPF has vision, policy and programme for Naga people.
Commenting on the recent booklet brought out by opposition Congress criticizing about the DAN government, Rio said “There is nothing in the book.” He continued that the booklet is a compilation of questions and allegations that have already been put up in the assembly.
“They have no agenda, no policy,” he said adding that they have nothing to tell to the people.
Rio claimed, “Our book is achievement their book is allegations. Let the people judge.”
Rio said the NPF ruled the state for the last ten years, giving stability in governance and delivering various programmes. “I think we have created a history,” he said.
Regionalism has come to stay in Nagaland because it carries the aspiration and hope of the Naga people, he said. He alleged that the demand of the Congress to the Centre not to give fund and Prime Minister and ministers not to visit Nagaland.
He said this time all the moon and stars of the Congress will come for campaign, adding that they will come to tell lies and create propaganda and tell big things, which, he said will not materialize.
Rio said, the NPF is the oldest political party in the region and going stronger day by day” because it gains the trust and confidence of the people.”
“Though we are having alliance this time we must get absolute majority and have more stability and more progress. With the support of the people, we will rule our people again,” Rio said.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NPF working president Apong Pongener while Huskha Yepthomi proposed vote of thanks.
