DIMAPUR — “Let us learn from our past mistakes,” said Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, in his last address as the president of Naga People’s Front (NPF), at the General Convention-cum-61st Foundation Day of party at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, on Saturday.
The NPF leader, who decided to retire from active politics after leading the party for more than two decades, told the gathering that “the story of NPF in Nagaland in the last tenure of Assembly was not very pleasant”.
Lamenting the performance of the party, from winning 26 seats in the 2018 state assembly election to just two in the last polls, following the defection of its 21 legislators, he said “betrayal game” from within the party had cost them dear.
“For future reference let us keep in mind that enemy within is worst than enemy outside,” he said.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]“On our part we are not blaming anybody for it but we only wish everyone to retrospect and realise the right or the wrong steps one had gone through so that they can take the right decision for their future,” he said, while inviting “all our old friends to come back home again if they want to regain their rightful place in the society and in the party”.
He added that “there should not be any hesitation because one's future is much more important than facing temporary embarrassment once”.
Dr. Liezietsu also claimed that the last state assembly election was “more like a gambling bout where money decides the fate of the people. “If the present trend continues, only the rich people or their proxy leaders will represent the Nagas in the Assembly. All rich people are not wise men,” he said, adding that “the present system of governing is reducing the Naga saga into money politics”.
He also dwelled on how the party was formed in 1963 out of necessity, considering the political situation of that time. “Today, we are the proud heirs of that political party set up by our elders whose integrity had withstood the test of time. Let us not forget that this 'cock party' came into being in the midst of blood and tears. This party was formed with a purpose and a strong commitment to pave the way for upholding the right of the Naga people through democratic process,” he said.
Asserting that the party is deeply rooted in the Naga society and in the unique history of the Naga people, he said it will continue to uphold its commitment “to protect, preserve and promote the socio-political identity, our rights and privileges as a unique people”.
“Today, many people may have very poor opinion about us because we have only two hon'ble MLAs representing us in the House. But these two members have been playing the key role in the Assembly representing the sentiment of the Naga people in general. I congratulate them once again,” he said.
He went on to say that the party will continue to play the role as active facilitators for an early political solution of the Indo-Naga political problem. “We stand for a political settlement which is acceptable, honourable and inclusive.”
He also congratulated its unit in Manipur, which currently five MLAs, for looking after the party in time of need, including financial matters, while expressing hope that it will make its presence felt in Arunachal Pradesh as well.
I’m a life member of NPF — Dr. Liezietsu
“To conclude my speech, I have three more points. Firstly, let me assure you that I am born to this party and I am a life member of this party. Whether I remain holding a post or not, it makes no difference for me as long as there are people seeking my advice and my cooperation,” he said.
“Secondly, I know that I have displeased many people during my tenure but the actions which I have taken were all on the recommendation of a constitutionally constituted competent body who puts up its recommendations to me for final issue of order,” he said while apologising for displeasing many.
“Last, but not the least, do not forget to open party meetings, big or small, with an invocation prayer. Do not forget to close the meetings with mass prayer. However unworthy we are, we follow this tradition for God's guidance in everything we do. Let us realise that, individually, we are all sinners and we have come short of the glory of God. But our collective stand to strive to work for a better future of our people, I believe, is right in the eyes of God, the Almighty. Look up to God always. I wish you all the best of luck in your future venture,” he concluded.