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Dimapur, Feb. 11 (EMN): The president of the Naga People's Front (NPF) Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietzu has urged his party to consider their being in the opposition a ‘blessing in disguise’ but also learn from being opposition members. Even though the regional party is in opposition at the moment, it was temporary, he told the gathering.
The NPF leader was addressing a reception for a number of Nagaland Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members who joined the NPF on February 11 at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur.
Liezietzu said the function is ‘different.’ More people will join them in due course of time, he said.
The regional party’s president said the NPF is the oldest regional party in the Northeast region. He said the party is now 57 years old which is older than Nagaland state by 39 days.
According to the veteran, the party was formed amid blood and tears and has survived through thick and thin ‘whether it be rain or storm or sunshine they have endure through all the seasons, as their party is deeply rooted in the society of the Naga people and God willing will live on.’
Since the inception of the state, Liezietzu said, as many as ten regional parties were formed but all had disappeared now. He added that ‘people with emotions’ will form new political parties and fight the elections but when they are defeated, their party will also be ‘gone.’
Liezietzu also referred to the present ruling party the National Democratic Progressive Party. As the name indicates, he said it is not a regional party ‘but they call themselves regional party but it’s ok if they feel that way, it’s welcoming.’
He urged the gathering to sit in the opposition as a ‘blessing in disguise’ but also learn something as opposition members. He reminded the gathering that even though the regional party is in opposition at the moment ‘it is only temporary.’
The NPF leader talked also about the BJP at the centre. It passed the Citizenship Amendment Act which he said was discriminatory and divisive. He said it is not at all practical.
He welcomed the new members and said they have taken the ‘right decision at the right time and right moment.’
The co-convenor of the law and legal affairs for Nagaland BJP, Toshi Longkumer and former State president of the BJP’s minority morcha of Nagaland Mukibur Rahman were among those who joined the NPF party.
Speaking at the programme, former BJP member Mukibur Rahman said after the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Bill, he started opposing the party as he felt that the bill was going to affect the people. When the NPF suspended its Rajya Sabha member for going against the party’s stand, he realised that the NPF was a party that not only speaks but takes action too.