Rio thanks church leaders for sharing concern

Kohima Bureau
Sechü Zubza, Feb. 20 (EMN): Sechü Zubza, the sub-divisional headquarters of the Western Angami region, was the battleground – if only for a day – for the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and (NDPP) and Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) as both Neiphiu Rio and Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu were here in this little town on Feb. 20 to campaign for their respective candidate to the 8th Western Angami assembly constituency.
While NPF supremo Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu was in Sechü Zubza to campaign for the NPF candidate Keneizhakho Kruse, not far away at WAPO ground, the NDPP chief ministerial candidate Rio also addressed a massive NDPP gathering in favour of the party’s candidate Kevisekho Kruse. Both the NPF and NDPP campaign rallies were held in the evening.
Rio, who attended three election rallies in Mon district today, arrived at Zubza in the evening. Addressing the party workers, Rio said with much confidence that the NDPP-BJP innings will soon begin in a few days time.
“The NDPP-BJP alliance will come to power and form the next government. As Nagaland goes to poll on Feb. 27, we are pretty confident that our alliance will be voted to power to form the next ministry of the 13th NLA,” Rio said.
Once again, Rio sought to address the allegations that NDPP-BJP alliance was a threat to Christian faith. While thanking the church leaders for being the watchdog of the Naga society, he said that there is nothing to worry about since the NDPP elected legislators will not compromise on any issue concerning the Christian faith.
“We are happy that the church leaders have come up their concerns; however, there is nothing to worry about. Our rights to freedom of religion have been enshrined in constitution of India, and we as leaders will defend the Christian faith to the fullest,” Rio said mentioning that the NPF-BJP alliance had been for 15 years from 2003 to 2017.
Basing on some of his earlier speeches, he reiterated that the NDPP, NPF, BJP or Congress are political parties and have no inclination towards any religion.
NDPP candidate of the constituency Kruse, in his address, said that a new era of development will take place under Rio’s leadership. He said, at present, the Naga people have no other leader to lead and guide from the forefront, except Rio who will take the Nagas to greater heights by forming a stable government.
“Change is coming. A lot of development will take place in the next five years,” Kruse said maintaining that the Nagas need a good and stable chief minister at the moment, unlike the previous four years of unstable leadership in the state.
“I am not contesting the election for selfish interest, but to serve the Nagas and my constituency people in particular,” Kruse said.
Others who shared the stage were Menuovilie Kesiezie, vice president NDPP Nagaland, Avio Tetso, president, Kohima Division, NDPP, Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, former MLA, among others.
(Refer page 5 for
Liezietsu’s speech)