NPF rejects Jamir’s President’s Rule call and defends the PAC, urging political-level intervention to advance Naga peace talks
DIMAPUR — The Naga People's Front (NPF) has rejected veteran leader SC Jamir’s call for President’s Rule in Nagaland, describing the demand as undemocratic, while dismissing criticism of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) by the Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland (CNFN).
In a rejoinder issued on Monday, the NPF asserted that the state had a democratically elected government and rejected Jamir’s claim that governance had “almost collapsed” and become “non-existent”.
Jamir had reportedly made the remarks at a public programme in Dimapur on September 12, calling for President’s Rule. The NPF stated that the demand undermined the mandate of the elected government and argued that previous spells of President’s Rule in Nagaland had neither brought lasting stability nor advanced the Naga political issue.
The party said routine administration was functioning, development activities were continuing and the state government remained engaged with the Centre on the Naga political issue.
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The NPF also rejected allegations that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s government was favouring a particular Naga political group. It maintained that the party had consistently advocated an inclusive settlement involving all Naga groups.
The party contrasted its policy of “equi-closeness” towards different sections of Naga society with the “equi-distance” approach during Jamir’s tenure. It also criticised references to a “Sabotage Club” or “Status Quo Club”, saying such labels could deepen divisions at a time when Naga unity was needed.
On the stalled peace process, the NPF attributed the delay to unresolved issues between the Naga groups and the government of India, rather than to any group allegedly operating within Nagaland.
Defending the PAC, the party said the committee was intended to help carry forward and conclude progress already made in the Naga negotiations, rather than reopen the talks.
The NPF explained that after the departure of former interlocutor RN Ravi, the talks had been handled at the level of a bureaucratic adviser, which it claimed had contributed to a loss of confidence among political parties and other stakeholders.
It reminded that a consultative meeting convened by the PAC with civil society organisations, tribal hohos, intellectuals and elected representatives had called for the talks to be upgraded to the political or ministerial level.
According to the NPF, such an arrangement would provide the political mandate needed to address the remaining issues and conclude a settlement.
Responding to the CNFN’s questions over Rio’s announcement of a proposed ministerial committee, the NPF said the announcement followed a delegation led by the chief minister to New Delhi earlier this year. The delegation included members of the PAC sub-committee and both Nagaland MPs and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The party claimed that Shah gave a positive assurance regarding the formation of a ministerial team, which Rio subsequently conveyed through the media and announced during a session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
The NPF also defended the composition of the PAC, saying it included political parties with elected representatives in the government as well as the state’s two MPs.
Rejecting the CNFN’s allegation that the committee had made a “mockery” of the NLA, the party said the PAC’s role was to facilitate an “honourable and inclusive” settlement.
The NPF reiterated its call for the Centre to appoint a politically empowered interlocutor, saying the Naga people wanted a solution to the political issue rather than continued blame over the stalled negotiations.
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