Says the chief minister’s statement was sensationalised by a section of the media
Dimapur, July 1 (EMN): Citing personal attacks against the chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has defended the latter “on the issue of integration of Naga contiguous areas.”
A press release from the party on Sunday stated: “it is pertinent that the truth and the facts are brought out to the public so that the lies and propaganda of the NPF (Naga People’s Front) can be highlighted in the public domain.
“The aspirations of the Nagas to live together as one family has always been a desire and it transcends all boundaries and no force on earth can deny the Nagas their desire to live together as one family. Nagas are only demanding what is rightfully ours.
“The cry for integration of the Naga people is a legitimate demand and it should not be dependent on others merely because of artificial boundaries that were forced upon us. The views of others should not be the main factor on the issue of integration. However, today, Nagas are aware of the fact that we need to live together peacefully under an environment of mutual co-existence with everybody. We respect our neighbors and likewise we expect others to respect our democratic rights and no one should infringe on each other’s rights.”
In 2002, it reminded, Neiphiu Rio resigned from the Congress even though he was “No. 2 in the Cabinet and the Home minister” because he opposed the publication and contents of the Bedrock of Naga Society as it was against the interest of the Nagas.
Rio then revived the erstwhile NPC which had no elected representative in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and on the verge of oblivion, it stated. “Consequent upon the 2003 general elections, the NPF-led DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was installed. That very same year, under Mr. Neiphiu Rio’s leadership, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on 18th December, 2003 for integration of contiguous Naga areas under one administrative umbrella.
“It was also under Mr. Neiphiu Rio’s leadership that the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) was constituted and subsequently the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) was formed which is unprecedented in the history of our political movement as all elected members irrespective of party affiliation came together under one common platform to pursue for an early solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political imbroglio.
“Despite the challenges being faced in the pursuit of integration, emphasis was given to the emotional and political integration of the larger Naga family wherein under the leadership of Mr. Neiphiu Rio, expansion of NPF to the neighbouring States was pursued. Mr. Neiphiu Rio risked his chair, his political career and even his own life as he led the party in spite of being under grievous threat and gunpoint to launch its unit in Manipur on 28th May, 2011. Therefore, the party was successfully launched in Manipur and later in Arunachal Pradesh.”
Although the electoral results may not have been up to satisfaction, it stated, ‘the ground works of emotional and political integration were laid on solid foundation under the leadership of Rio. In all his three previous tenures as chief minister, Rio has been the strongest advocate for resolution of the Indo-Naga peace process for a true solution that is honourable and acceptable to the Nagas and in doing so, he has been the topmost champion of Naga integration from the beginning of his political career till date, it stated.
“His political journey for pursuit of solution and voicing of Naga aspirations has not just been in words but has been exemplified and cemented in actions by concrete steps over the last 2 (two) decades. In the recent case of his interview to sections of the electronic media in New Delhi on 13th June, 2018 after meeting with the Union Home minister and officials of the GoI, the chief minister only stated what was conveyed to him and the state government.
“The transcripts of the television interview of the chief minister are available in the public domain for everyone to analyze. He had clearly stated that the demand and desire of the Nagas for integration of all Naga contiguous areas is genuine. He also stated that the GoI had relayed that physical integration is not possible which was the point of discussion. This was relayed to the chief minister and his delegation by the GoI and therefore, they are not his personal views and neither the party’s views or the PDA government’s views. In fact the statements was misinterpreted and sensationalized by sections of the media.”
It reminded that the People’s Democratic Alliance government had stated that it shall be pursuing resolution of the Indo-Naga issue through a negotiated political settlement and a solution that is honourable and acceptable at the earliest possible. “We had assured that we will not be a mute spectator but will be proactive and do everything possible to strengthen the ongoing peace process and play the role of active facilitator to bring early solution. We had also committed that we will not come in the way of any agreement that comes about from the peace process and will pave the way for alternative arrangement that may be required for implementation of the political agreement.
“In light of the above, there is no validity or merit in the Opposition’s attempts to question the chief minister’s stand or integrity on the issue of Naga integration. Actions speak louder than words. This was also clarified by a statement dated 14th June, 2018 and issued by the chief minister’s office which was published on 15th June 2018 in the local dailies. The NDPP also issued a statement on 15th June 2018 which was published on 16th June 2018 in the media.
“Therefore, it can be accurately concluded that the statements of the Opposition do not contain any truth but are instead aimed at personally attacking the chief minister. This is an honest reflection of a frustrated Opposition whose house continues to break down after being rejected by the people election after election.”
