NPF legislators from Kohima appeal for peace

Dimapur, August 15 (EMN): The NPF legislators of Kohima reiterating their earlier call for peace has once again appealed to the public and the party cadres to exercise restraint and maintain peace and tranquillity since the ongoing tussle cannot be resolved in Nagaland and the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken note of the matter. “This unfortunate leadership dispute in the NPF party cannot be resolved in Nagaland therefore till such time, the ECI declares the verdict and handover the party symbol and properties to the rightful and legal owner it is the ardent wishes and desire of the NPF party that the public in general and party cadres in particular to exercise maximum restraint and maintain peace and tranquillity”, stated a press note issued by the legislators. The legislators are Dr Neikesalie Nicky Kire, Kropol Vitsu, Vikho Yhoshü, Levi Rengma and Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu. Moreover, they have also reiterated that the 36 NPF legislators do not “approve and recognize” Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu as the president of the NPF because of his “autocratic and undemocratic way of functioning the party”. As such on August 31, the 36 legislators selected Neiphiu Rio, who is the present MP (Lok Sabha) and three-time chief minister as the interim president of NPF. Mention may be made that on July 29, 2017 a 15-day ultimatum was served to Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, which had expired on 13th August 2017. The statement also stated that Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu’s refusal to vacate the post of party president is an act of insult and disrespect to the voice of the majority. Stating that they are standing simply on the ground that Neiphiu Rio enjoys the support of a vast majority of NPF party organisation and TR Zeliang commands the support of more than the 2/3rd absolute majority i.e. 48 MLAs in the NPF led DAN government. Meanwhile, in a statement issued today, the NPF Kohima Division asked the four NPF legislators, who had condemned the ultimatum concerning closure of NPF office at Legacy Complex, to come back to the party headed by Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu. “The division fully understands the desperation and frustration of TR Zeliang and Rio-led group and strongly voice out its resentment at the 15 days ultimatum served to its president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu to step down. Moreover, it would appreciate if the fallen legislators desist from using the NPF party name in vain anymore. Whether they enjoy majority, or for that matter command 2/3 of the MLA’s, it holds no water and further it reminds them to stop issuing cheap and misleading statements in the press”, the statement read. In a separate statement, the Northern Angami Public Organization expressed concern over the tense situation between the two NPF groups “after NPF Youth wing of 10 Northern Angami I A/c serve(d) (an) ultimatum against setting up of NPF office at Bayavii hill by TR Zeliang and Rio group”. It appealed both the groups to maintain peace and resolve the internal issue through understanding. “NAPO urged both parties not to create any unwanted situation and disturb the peaceful living people of the area for the interest of the general public. Let good sense prevail and peace and tranquillity be maintained”