Dimapur, May 12 (EMN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF), which has been in turmoil in the aftermath of the recent Lok Sabha elections, seems to be in for more trouble as its former workers have threatened to file a defamation case against its Mon division general secretary Hongnaw, who they have accused of spreading fabricated rumours about them.
Former NPF central office bearers -- Akang, Nokshom Konyak, Honpha Konyak, and Kapwang Konyak – have claimed in a joint statement that Hongnaw had told North East TV Live that seven legislators, who have been suspended by the party, had pressurised and forced them to quit the party; which is not true. They added that the same has been widely circulated on social media.
“He (Hongnaw) also said the 7 legislators have done and prepared the list of NPF office bearers without the knowledge of the former NPF functionaries. He has accused that the MLAs have put the forged signature on behalf of the central office bearers as well as divisional and A/c,” read the statement, terming the allegation as “criminal.”
The former NPF functionaries stated that they “took our own position against the hasty decision of NPF party leadership” after their leaders were suspended.
“In this connection, we the former NPF central office bearers demand a public apology from Mr. Hongnaw General Secretary NPF Mon Division for making such a serious allegation to our leaders and attempt to destroy our own image and position without any documentary proof or evidence; the accusation is nothing short of a criminal offence amounting to defamation,” read the statement.
Terming the claim of the NPF leader as “false and fabricated allegation,” they stated that the matter will not be “compromised at any cost". They went on to state that they would file a defamation case against them if they fail to apologise within seven days.
It may be mentioned several prominent members resigned from the NPF after the party’s leadership suspended its 7 MLAs — EE Pangteang, Eshak Konyak, Kejong Chang, BS Nganlang, Toyang Chang, N Thongwang Konyak, and CL John – for supporting the NDPP candidate. The party also served show cause notice to many of its functionaries before eventually suspending them for allegedly supporting a political opponent during the Lok Sabha elections.
