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Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, president of the Naga People's Front (NPF), on Friday said the upcoming Nagaland Assembly election will be a fight between ‘principle politics’ and ‘money power’.
Speaking during the release of party manifesto and distribution of tickets for the state general poll, Liezietsu urged the party workers to carefully read the manifesto and convey it to the people.
While acknowledging God for the opportunity to serve the people in good as well as bad time, he said the elders laid the foundation of the regional political party about 60 years ago amid blood and tears with a purpose, and that purpose was to strive for a peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga political problem- a solution that is honourable, acceptable and inclusive.
‘Holding this responsibility so dear to our hearts, we continue to appeal to the conscience of the Government of India on one hand and the Naga national workers on the other. Even after six decades of our continued appeal, we have not seen any ray of hope on the other end of the tunnel till today,’ said the NPF president.
He maintained that the party cannot do anything beyond its role as facilitators because it is not a party to take or give a decision on the matter (Naga issue). However, he said it will continue to appeal to the conscience of different conflicting entities, as ‘the Naga people want peace and the Naga people deserve it’.
“Today, NPF is the only regional political party in Nagaland. We are aware that a new regional political party under the name and style ‘Naga Rising Party’ is coming up but they are yet to face election as their starting point. We wish them all the best with the hope that regional minded leaders will come together in due course of time,” said Liezietsu.
While maintaining that there are many national political parties in Nagaland like the BJP, NDPP, INC, JD(U), AAP, NPP, etc., he said NPF is the only viable regional political party in the state which is deeply rooted in the unique history of the Naga people, and as such, it represents the identity and aspirations of the Naga people.
“We are here to protect the democratic rights of our people, to preserve our cultural heritages, to salvage socio-economic trend which is on the diminishing return, to safeguard the all-round interests of our people, to build a secured future for our children and our grandchildren; and we are here to defend our faith. We will continue to hold our fort under any circumstances, come what may,” he stated.
He admitted to facing a setback last year after several of its MLAs defected but said the NPF stands firm on its foundation which can never be shaken by any force and will overcome the present setback sooner than expected, through hard work.
He said party ticket seekers are less this time compared to earlier elections, which also means fewer problems in selection of candidates.
Meanwhile, Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, said the party is going to fight the election with a very big hope- a hope for betterment, peace and prosperity, better living and understanding among all communities against the backdrop of nepotism, favouritism and social ills.
He called upon the entire force of the NPF to fight the election with commitment though the number may be small, adding that it will go to election with the slogan “In God we trust and together we can”.
He urged the party workers not to be disheartened by the recent development, saying that ‘four committed MLAs can make bigger difference than 20-30 non-committed ones’.
The leader requested the party workers to remain focused and steadfast with commitment on the upcoming election and be sincere in efforts to ensure that the NPF is in the government.
The question of being in opposition does not arise, he said, adding: “We will surely be the kingmaker in the formation of the next government.”
Citing several political parties in the fray, he said no party will get an absolute majority, while adding that the NPF has a ‘policy for pre-poll understanding for post-poll alliance’.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.
The programme was chaired by Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary General of NPF, while Working President Apong Pongener proposed the vote of thanks and Pastor of Kohima Baptist Church, Arep Tsudir, prayed for the party candidates.