Dimapur, Sep. 7 (EMN): The NPF faction led by Lok Sabha member, Neiphiu Rio has refuted what it stated was “amusingly frustrated and un-parliamentary tirades and accusations purveyed in the media by the media and press bureau with sheer jealousy to vilify the commanding image” of the former chief minister.
In a press release issued on Thursday the ‘press and media cell’ of NPF party led by Rio, and incumbent chief minister TR Zeliang, stated that the ‘way the NPF party’ had tortured Rio was excruciatingly unfair.
“The inordinate long period of suspension/s imposed on Rio, the lone member of Parliament from Nagaland is a deliberate action to inhibit his popularity and active participation and contribution at this very crucial juncture of the Naga history which will go down the memory of the party and Naga society.
“The fact that this very ‘media and press bureau’ of the NPF Hqs. that has for years been projecting Mr. Neiphiu Rio, a three consecutive time leader of the NPF-led DAN and chief minister of Nagaland, as a visionary, dynamic, accommodative, magnanimous and able Naga leader etc., but now taking a ‘U’ turn, accusing the tall Naga leader is unfortunate.
“Mr. Neiphiu Rio commands the support of majority of the NPF Legislators and the rank and file of the party’s organisational set-up. Whereas, the minority group needs to be reminded that they themselves went to court and got themselves defeated. To be precise, the Supreme Court, on August 18, 2017, gave its ruling on the Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No. 20048/2017. Quote: ‘Upon hearing the counsel the Court made the following ‘ORDER’ - The special leave petition is dismissed’”.
According to the statement, Rio – whose life was “an open book” – had served steadfastly to the cause of the Nagas in particular and public purposes at the national level in general.
“Experiences show that those who support noble cause inevitably meet attempts of stigmatization, and the present accusation is no lesser than one of such category.
But with all the support at his command, NPF stoutly refute these accusations and appeal to all party men, women and the general public not to be swayed by these unfounded, baseless and statements of frustrated elements.
“Dr. Shurhozelie, the erstwhile NPF President had stated that the NPF and BJP were ‘natural allies.’ How is it then that he moved to forcefully disqualify 3 BJP MLAs when they merged with the BJP from NCP? Then, when BJP gave support to the majority NPF legislators group, he immediately severed all ties with the BJP without any second thought,” it questioned.
“The second North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) conclave held at Delhi on September 5, 2017 and attended by Nagaland Chief Minister Mr. TR Zeliang, the NPF president and MP (LS) Mr. Neiphiu Rio and NPF Manipur unit president, Mr. Awangbow Newmai cannot in any way be criticized. Mr. Rio had attended the aforesaid NEDA meeting following a formal invitation from the BJP national president through the convenor, NEDA vide letter No. convenor/NEDA/ 2017 dated 31st August 2017.
“However, the minority group’s chagrin and unethical impropriety can only be surmised as a binge of extreme hopelessness which explains the confused state of mind.
With the case now in the court of the Election Commission of India, the NPF under the dynamic leadership of its president Mr. Neiphiu Rio is hopeful of a favourable outcome and we assure to abide by the final verdict, come what may.”
