Integration of our people is our birthright — NPF

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 12 (EMN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) reiterated its stand on the much-delayed Naga political issue at an emergency meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC) held at its headquarters in Kohima, on June 12.

The CEC led by the Convenor Y Vikheho Swu and four other members — P Longon, Khriezobeinuo Sanchu, YM Yollow, and Blaise Iheilung — adopted a few resolutions on issues concerning the interest of the Naga people.

The NPF pledged support to the Framework Agreement which was signed between the Government of India and NCSN (IM) on August 3, 2015. It urged all the parties to come to term for an “inclusive political settlement without further delay.”

“NPF will continue to uphold the stand for integration of all Naga ancestral areas under one administrative roof. Dividing the Nagas into different nations and states was the handiwork of the ‘imperialists’ which the Government of India inherited. We place on record the integration of our people is our birthright,” read the resolution.

The Central Executive Council also took “strong exception” to the government of India’s attempt to make Hindi as a compulsory language. The party has urged the Centre “to make Hindi as an optional language and not compulsory.”

NPF said that it will continue to uphold the unique political history of the Nagas and that the government of India too has recognised it, describing it as a positive step towards solving the long-standing Indo-Naga political problem. The party also resolved to uphold the principle on non-violence and strive for a resolution through peaceful means.

Congratulates Yepthomi, Modi

The NPF congratulated PDA candidate Tokheho Yepthomi on winning the state’s lone Lok Sabha seat in the recently concluded LS election, and Narendra Modi for his second inning as Prime Minister of India.

Felicitates Dr. Lorho S Pfoze

The NPF felicitated Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, who won the Outer Manipur MP seat, at the CEC meeting. Pfoze contested in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election with NPF ticket and won with a margin of 73,782 votes.

“Love is primary in the building of Naga nation,” said Pfoze at the event. “Love of our (Naga) nation, for our (Naga) people must run high.”

“Can we examine ourselves why we are failing?” the MP asked. He said that one must “not leave God out of politics and out of the Naga nation.”

“If we need strength and unity in the Naga nation, Love is the only way. For without love, there is no unity,” he said.

Pfoze also expressed determination to work for the early solution to the Naga political issue. He said building a “Naga nation” needs the effort from everyone, irrespective of political parties and region. He went on to say that the Naga identity in Manipur is “challenged” but his win has revealed the stand of the Nagas in the state.

Congress’ defeat a “moral victory”

NPF President Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu said at the event that Congress candidate KL Chishi did “very well” in the recent Parliamentary elections, losing to NDPP candidate Tokheho Yepthomi by a “small margin.” He went on to say that one of the reasons for the failure was because of the presence of “so many so-called Congress leaders who have negative approach and did not work for their candidate.”

The president said that the NPF is supporting the BJP government in Manipur to avoid “vitiating the atmosphere in any manner for the ongoing process of the ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM) on August 3, 2015.”

“Even after they (BJP) walked away from us, we have been lending continued support to the BJP Government which was more or less circumstantial for reasons beyond the jurisdiction of the political parties, which we believe every sensible person ought to understand,” Liezietsu added.

He appealed to the ‘national workers’ to come together and stand on the same platform, and adopt the same approach towards solution of the Naga political problem based on ground realities.

“When we talk about integration of the Nagas, some people are not happy with us, but by saying so, we have not done anything wrong against those people around us; because we are talking only about our legitimate right and our birthright. We cannot stop others from talking about their birthright if anybody wants to talk about it; and in the same measure, others also should not interfere when we talk about our stand on Naga integration. For us, integration is a reality,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang stated that Nagas living in different states and countries must come together.

While seeking clarification from MP LS Tokeho Yepthomi on his remark that ‘citizenship to outsiders entering Nagaland after 2014 to be restricted,’ Zeliang that Nagas cannot be complacent and totally depend on Article 371A to safeguard the people. In fact, the CAB issue should be taken down to the grassroots level, he added.

MLA Dr Chumben Murry, who also spoke at the meeting, reminded the gathering that the Naga political issue is “the longest conflict in the world.” He urged the new government to expedite the Naga political issue.