IMPHAL, May 17: The Naga People’s Front has suspended former chief minister of Nagaland and Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio from the primary membership of the party today.
According to the suspension order signed by president of NPF, Dr Shurhozelie Leizeitsu, two show cause notices were sent to Rio in the month of April asking him to explain the charges of indulging in anti-party activities. The disciplinary action committee after considering the replies from Rio recommended the suspension of Rio from the party, the order stated.
It further mentioned that since the demission of office of chief minister of Nagaland, Rio has been indulging in activities squarely contrary to the aims and objectives of the party with the aim of dislodging the government headed by TR Zeliang so that he can regain the position of chief minister.
Rio was further charged of trying to divide the party so that he could reposition himself in power in the party and the government as ‘would be evident from his faction filing a petition before the Election Commission of India for claiming control of the party which ultimately failed when the ECI directed the NPF faction to arrive at reconciliation’.
The president of the party further comes to the conclusion, that despite the declaration of reconciliation …Neiphiu Rio continued with his anti-party activities thereby disrupting unity and the peaceful atmosphere within the party, the order stated.
The retention of Rio as primary and active member of the NPF shall be inimical to the interests of the party and the government, Dr Leiziestsu stated in the order justifying the suspension.