K Therie claims mass support for President's Rule in Nagaland, alleging failure of the state government.
DIMAPUR — Veteran politician K Therie has claimed that the demand for President's Rule (PR) in Nagaland has mass support, arguing that the public wants peace and freedom.
In a press statement, Therie said that the public now understands that the Naga People's Front (NPF) is the roadblock, adding that the mandate was to ensure an early solution and to their commitment "to pave the way" providing an honourable and acceptable solution. He noted that agreements are now legal tender documents.
He stated that the NPF is currently rejecting PR, although their demand for fresh talks at the level of a Union minister has been rejected again. Accusing the NPF of speaking with a dangerous double tongue, he claimed that in most public meetings they speak of an "early solution" while demanding fresh talks at ministerial level.
Therie noted that the Nagaland BJP President had also commented that the regional party has no agenda. Pointing out that the BJP promised an "election for solution" in 2018, Therie claimed that the NPF is on life support from the BJP, adding that if the Nagaland BJP really meant a solution, they have the power to deliver it. Having awaited the BJP for seven years to deliver their promise, he stated that the only way is President's Rule.
In his consideration, Therie stated that the prime minister is ready to implement it and only needs the cooperation of the Government of Nagaland.
Also read: Nagaland: Achumbemo Kikon digs into political history to hit back at Jamir, Therie
‘No shortcut to Naga solution’: Naga People's Front hits back at Therie
Given the situation, Therie maintained that PR is the only way and that there is sufficient ground to proclaim PR in Nagaland. He stated that the Government of India can proclaim PR, honouring the commitment of the NPF as talks have concluded.
Therie further alleged that the state government has failed to carry out its constitutional duties in maintaining law and order, pointing out that internal disturbances in Nagaland and Manipur have continued without control. He stated that they have failed to enforce constitutional machinery in the state according to provisions, alleging that machineries were asked to compromise with insurgents and collect commissions for various factions. He claimed that the NPF and alliance are compromising the state's interests, safety, and economy.
Furthermore, he stated that the state government, being a party to the Government of India, has the duty to represent stakeholders, consult them, and work out details acceptable to them. However, he alleged that they have failed to follow orders or directions sent by the Union government to work out the details under Articles 355, 356, and 365.
Besides these provisions, Therie stated that the state government has failed to enforce public order, which is the sovereign power of the state provided under Article 246 (Seventh Schedule), the sovereign powers listed for the states, and Article 371A. He added that the state government has also failed to carry out ILP and RIIN provisions justly and without bias or ill will.
He claimed that the removal of RN Ravi, the then interlocutor and governor, and giving repeated mandates to the NPF has seriously weakened the aspiration of an early solution and pushed back the political will of the Central government.