EMN
DIMAPUR, MAY 6
Defying strict instructions from its Kohima central office, leaders of at least four district units/divisions of the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) have openly declared their support to the increasingly loud calls to appointing veteran politician Noke Konyak as the next chief minister of Nagaland – in the event of the current CM, Neiphiu Rio shifted to Delhi as Member of Parliament.
In the last two days, the NPF divisions of Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Dimapur and Longleng have followed their Mon counterparts by throwing their collective weight behind the proposal to instate Noke Konyak on the chair, which is expected to be vacated soon by the incumbent Rio.
These open parade of solidarity to Noke Konyak from the district units come despite attempts from the NPF Central Office to censor any press statements on the same other than theirs. In separate press releases, the NPF divisions of Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Dimapur and Longleng have made clear that Noke Konyak, by dint of his seniority, stature, ‘commitment to regional ideologies’ and “a spotless career”, was their unanimous choice.
President of the NPF unit of Mokokchung Imtiyanger stated that Noke was a “stalwart of regional party with over four decades of leadership in state politics.” K Shilu Sangtam of the Dimapur unit went further by claiming that Noke was “senior most regional leader and his record and career is spotless” and ‘deserving’ of the chief minister’s post. President and general secretary of the NPF division I Nikheto Zhimomi and Kiyelu Awomi also stated in their press release that Noke should be given the hair on account of “seniority criteria.”
Likewise, the president of the Longleng NPF unit, Bushi Phom, claimed that Noke was the “best suited person to lead the state considering his sincerity, unblemished political career and the senior most person in the party.”
The Longleng unit leader claimed that Noke was the “flag bearer for regionalism and we are confident that the ideology and principles of the party will remain intact under his able leadership.” The Longleng division of the NPF supports Noke as the ‘next chief minister’ and has appealed to all sections of the state to “unite together and take the party towards greater heights.”
