NDPP requests NPF to reconsider its decision to withdraw from JLF on Naga political issue

Dimapur, Aug. 31 (EMN): The ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has said that the opposition Naga People’s Front (NPF) party’s decision to quit the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) is an unfortunate and shocking political development.

The NDPP issued a statement on Monday saying that the decision is ‘even more surprising considering the fact that the government of India led by the prime minister and the home minister have taken proactive steps to resume the Indo-Naga political dialogue in right earnest’.

“The resumption of the peace talks has been welcomed by all sections and there is a fervent call for unity, understanding and oneness. The NDPP endorses the resolution of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) dated August 20, 2020 wherein the PDA has appealed to the NPF to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the PDA.

“This is a time for our society to be coming together to strengthen not just the negotiating parties but to empower ourselves with unity. This is not the time to be pointing fingers at others, finding fault or making excuses to stay away. Rather, the leaders of all sections of the Nagas must set aside our differences and rise above respective affiliations in the greater interest of our people,” the statement read.

It asserted that the NDPP will not engage in one-upmanship and reply to the allegation made against the chief minister and the PDA on the JLF matter. “Rather we reiterate the appeal to reconsider the decision to withdraw from the JLF. Let us all work together in the spirit of one Naga family and let us leave no stone unturned in our collective endeavour to bring lasting peace and progress. The present and future generations will judge us for our decisions, our sacrifices and our contributions.

“The NDPP also appeals to mass-based civil societies, tribal hohos, NGOs, churches, political parties and all sections to make renewed efforts towards unity. Let us all work towards facilitation of a congenial environment for preparation of a positive landing ground that is conducive for the much expected political solution,” it stated.