NPF-BJP coalition stable: Johny Rengma

Dimapur, October 30: BJP national vice president ST Morcha, Johny G Rengma, today maintained that coalition between the State BJP and NPF led DAN government will continue to remain strong despite the recent unsavoury development in which one of its legislator was drop from the post of Parliamentary Secretary. When asked about the party’s relationship with the NPF party following the recent development, Johny Rengma said its relationship remains stable under the NPF party president Dr. Shurhozelie and the chief minister TR Zeliang. ‘NPF party is one of the oldest surviving regional parties in the northeast and BJP and NPF have been maintaining stable relation for many years,’ Johny Rengma said. Stating that Advisors and Parliamentary Secretaries, who hold the post of public scrutiny, are appointed by the Chief minister, Johny Rengma said the latter has the prerogative to retain or drop any members in accordance with their performance. He, therefore, found reason to drag the issue on political angle.Also replying to query if the Framework Agreement could have an effect on the State elections, Johny said no states under the Indian union can obstruct the movement of its constitution as established by law. He added that elections are an integral part of the constitution of India. According to him ‘Framework Agreement’ is laying of a foundation towards finding a permanent settlement to the prolonged Indo-Naga political problem. He said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has broken all records of the past governments in dealing with underground outfits. To substantiate his statement, Johny said, while the past governments could only invite underground groups for talks and extending truce, Modi could surpass them by signing the ‘Framework Agreement.’ While stating that BJP and other parties in Manipur are fully engaged with the ensuing elections, he expressed happiness that Nagaland BJP unit is also fully preparing to fight the ensuing elections in the State. Also referring to the recently held National Tribal Carnival from October 25-28 in New Delhi with the participation of 28,000 tribal delegates, Johny said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured not to allow tribal lands to be taken away by ay agencies and government machineries without prior approval of the landowners. Johny also added that perpetrating atrocities upon the tribal community is completely under control in India. He said tribal communities are safe under NDA government.