Chief Minister Nagaland and NPF President Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said that even as the NPF party stands for early solution to the Naga political problem which is honorable and acceptable to all sections of the society and that it supports the Framework Agreement arrived at between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015, it does not mean that the party supports one single Naga political groups and that it stands for inclusiveness of all groups and sections of the Naga society while arriving at a final solution.
Addressing the Kohima Division NPF Leaders’ Convention at Indira Gandhi Stadium this morning, Dr Shurhozelie recounted how the regional party came about in Nagaland stating that though nomenclature of the party has been changed from time to time depending on the necessities of the times, the ideal and principle of the NPF still remains the same as it was when it was registered with the Election Commission of India in 1963.
He recalled how the 16-point Agreement was arrived at between the Government of India and the negotiating party (Naga People’s Convention) to end violence and bloodshed in the land, but that since it could not end its goal, and since it was felt not proper since the representatives of the Underground group were not part of the agreement, it was felt necessary to have another agreement so as to bring real peace and harmony in the State and that the regional party was formed to achieve that target.
“We do not consider Statehood as the final agreement between the Nagas and the Government of India and we expect a final solution which is inclusive of all Naga political groups and sections of the Naga people,” he said.
“We support the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM). But this does not mean we support the NSCN (IM) alone. We have made it clear to the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) that to bring about a final and acceptable solution to the Naga political problem, all Naga political groups and sections of the people must be included in the process. Their views and aspirations must be considered if we are to have permanent peace in the land. It is unfortunate that Nagas are fragmented into several groups and all are asking for sovereignty for the Naga people. But can we expect all of them to bring different sovereignty to the Naga people? Whether they like it or not, it is time that we speak out the truth. We must tell the different Naga political groups to come together and that all of them must be included to bring about a permanent settlement. We want inclusiveness,” he said.
On the political development where former Member of Parliament Chingwang Konyak is expected to announce formation of a political party in the next few days, Dr Shurhozelie said in a democratic set up such as ours, there can be not only one but several political parties and asked the people not to be alarmed or swayed away by this new turn of events saying this was on expected lines.
“As I see it, at present, there is no alternative to the NPF in Nagaland,” he said. “The days of the Congress party are over throughout the country in the next ten years or more. Formation of a new political party in Nagaland, though on expected lines, will not have much impact on the prospects of the NPF party in 2018. We all know there are many veteran politicians in the State who do find much relevance in the present political set up and they are bound to form a new political party since they are not welcome or invited by the other political parties.
“We should be matured enough to consider for ourselves which political ideologies and principles are best for the people and which are detrimental. Go for the political party which not merely speaks but carries out its promises in reality,” he said and went on to exhort the party functionaries and workers to stand steadfast with their present party legislators.
Also speaking on the occasion, former Chief Minister and Advisor (Finance) TR Zeliang said “the NPF party shall return to power with a thumping majority under the leadership of Dr Shurhozelie after 2018” and went on to mention the positive developments in Kohima district that have been brought about in the period when he was the Chief Minister.
Zeliang made special mention of the land acquirement for North East Christian University at Medziphema village; Medical College at Kohima for which about 40 acres of land have been compensated; 4-lane road between Kohima and Dimapur which has started in right earnest; 4-lane road from Kohima to Moreh to connect with the Southeast Asian countries; selection of Kohima for Smart City by the Government of India; Rs 250 crore project for improvement of roads from Golaghat Gate to Chumukedima through Purana Bazar, and from Police Check Kohima to Lerie in Kohima town.
On Vision 2030 document which was released by the Governor of Nagaland last December, Zeliang called upon party functionaries to go through the document and disseminate the visions the NPF-led DAN Government has for the people of Nagaland in the grassroots level.
Issued by Media Cell,
Chief Minister’s Office, Nagaland
