Kohima, September 23 (MExN): Former Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie has reiterated his demand for imposition of President's Rule in Nagaland, saying it was the "only way" to facilitate implementation of the Naga political agreements and an early political solution.
In a statement, Therie claimed that the demand for President's Rule had received "mass support" as people wanted peace and freedom. He alleged that the Naga People's Front (NPF) was a "roadblock" to an early solution and said the party's commitment to "pave the way" for an honourable and acceptable solution should be honoured.
Therie said agreements reached between the Government of India and Naga political groups were now "legal tender documents" and questioned the NPF's opposition to President's Rule while seeking fresh talks at the ministerial level.
He alleged that the NPF spoke of an "early solution" in public meetings while simultaneously demanding fresh talks at the level of a minister.
Therie also referred to comments by the Nagaland BJP president that the regional party had no agenda. He said the BJP had promised "election for solution" in 2018 and alleged that the NPF was dependent on the BJP. If the BJP genuinely intended to facilitate a solution, it had the power to do so, he claimed.
After waiting for seven years for the BJP to fulfil its promise, Therie said, he had concluded that President's Rule was the only way forward.
He further claimed that the Prime Minister was ready to implement a solution but required the cooperation of the Nagaland Government.
Therie cited Articles 355, 356 and 365 of the Constitution while arguing that there were sufficient grounds for President's Rule. He alleged that the state government had failed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities relating to law and order and had failed to address internal disturbances in Nagaland and Manipur.
He also alleged that the state government had failed to follow directions from the Union Government concerning the Naga political issue and had not adequately consulted stakeholders to work out details acceptable to them.
Therie further referred to Article 246 and the Seventh Schedule, as well as Article 371A, claiming that the state government had failed to enforce public order and had not implemented provisions relating to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) fairly.
He also criticised the removal of R N Ravi as interlocutor and Governor, and what he described as repeated mandates given to the NPF, alleging that these developments had weakened the prospects of an early solution.
