Kohima, July 9 (EMN): Following the political developments and subsequent suspension of ten of its senior MLAs including former chief minister TR Zeliang, the central office bearers of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) held an emergency meeting at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima Sunday afternoon.
A six-point resolution was taken during the meeting, informed a press release from the NPF press bureau. The release stated that the members resolved to appeal to the party president to ‘grant amnesty’ to the legislators who were ‘led astray by few vested interests’ who are presently camped at a resort in Kaziranga, and to let them come back to the party-fold in the larger interest of the party and NPF-led government.
The party leaders also resolved to call upon the party legislators to respect the trust of the electorates who elected them to look after the needs of the people and ‘not to flock around for power alone’; to extend full support to the decision of the party’s disciplinary action committee in recommending the suspension of the 10 party legislators; and the subsequent order of the party president thereof.
They also ‘vehemently condemn the shameful act of treason and betrayal’ by few ‘ring leaders’ to destabilise the party-led government ‘to fulfil their selfish ends’ while also expressing their resentment over the ‘attempt to destabilise the government when the government of India was trying its best to resolve the Naga political issue without delay’.
“This latest political move will only sabotage the sincere attempts of the government to bring a lasting settlement which is the ardent desire of the Naga people,” the release stated. Party leaders also decided to call upon all rank and file of the NPF party to stand steadfast behind the party and its principles, it added. This resolution was signed by resolution committee convener Pusazo Luoruo and members Shingnyu Khiam and Rukiumong Yim.
Meanwhile, NPF spokesperson Achumbemo Kikon said the party was not harbouring any ill-feelings towards anyone and it was still appealing to its legislators to reconsider their decision and come back to the partyfold.
“Reconciliation doors are open,” the party spokesman said, pointing out that the trust bestowed on the party by the people could not be betrayed. He told Eastern Mirror that the NPF was a big family and since it was difficult to read the minds of everyone, discontentment could arise in between. However, he said, whoever joins the party does so as he/she subscribes to the visions and principles of the party, and on this note he hoped that the dissident members would reason again and allow ‘good sense to prevail’.
Stating that NPF is the only party in the state that represents the aspirations and interest of the Naga people and which was why the party was voted into power ‘again and again’, Kikon expressed hope that the rebelling legislators would reflect the party’s belief on reconciliation and unity and return to the partyfold.
