Letters to President of Naga People’s Front by Neiphiu Rio

Letter from the two MPs to President of Naga People’s Front on 22nd August 2015 Dear Dr. Shurhozelie, We write to extend our appreciation to you for withdrawing the orders of suspension that were served on the NPF MLAs who had supported the majority leadership of Mr. Noke and Mr. Kaito. The withdrawal of suspension orders are part of the reconciliation process that has taken place within the party. The gesture will pave the way for strengthening of the party and greater unity. The Election Commission of India had also directed the party for reconciliation and different sections including civil societies had appealed to the party leaders for reconciliation. In respect of these views the process of reconciliation was sincerely initiated and you will recall that in your letter dated 07 .04.2015 addressed to Messrs Noke & Kaito, you had stated that you highly welcome the proposal for reconciliation: however it is regrettable that the true spirit of reconciliation has not been carried out till now and it is also pertinent to merit-ion that the process of reconciliation and unity that was implemented under your leadership has fallen far short of expectations on several fronts. While the induction of members in the government is the prerogative of the Chief Minister, the recent appointment of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, advisers etc did not uphold the reconciliation spirit but rather created more dissatisfaction. There is no denying the fact that senior capable and deserving party MLAs were sidelined and neglected, while MLAs belonging to other political parties were accommodated with abnormal representation. Likewise, the accommodation of office bearers into the party fold also greatly disappointed the party leaders who had supported the majority group. Prominent and important party leaders who accepted the process of reconciliation were not given due recognition, nor were the MLAs taken into confidence in the selection process. There is undoubtedly tremendous feeling of confusion and disappointment in regards to the reconciliation process within the party and the government. We feel that genuine reconciliation has not been achieved in the true sense, which has had a negative impact to our party. However, it is understood that, it is still possible to salvage the party by taking corrective measures. To prevent any further damage to the party, we feel that the party must accommodate the prominent leaders into the party fold and also take appropriate steps to ensure that disunity and divisions existing at all levels arc removed sooner than later. Moreover, during the Special General Convention of the party, that status quo within the party organisation would be upheld as per’ the election of office bearers on 26.11.14, this assurance is yet to be materialised. We write to you because we are sincerely committed for the future of our party and we are deeply pained by the divisions and, dissatisfactions that continue to exist deep within the party ranks because those who contributed least to the party are trying to control and dictate even honourable elected members, Furthermore, it was announced on 30th April, 2015 during the Special General Convention that the process of reconciliation was complete. However, till today, the disqualification petitions that were submitted by you and others to the Speaker arc yet to be withdrawn. Therefore, we expect that you will ensure the completion of the reconciliation process at an early date. You will recall that as discussed and assured by you, to advice the Chief Minister and others in the government to utilise the two MPs, till today there has been no communication or discussion about the affairs of the State or the Naga political issue either in Nagaland or in Delhi. Since you are the party President and one of the senior most members of the NPF, we feel that it is appropriate that we highlight these issues of concern directly to you in the expectation that you will address the problems that our party is facing with utmost urgency. The need of the hour is for true reconciliation to take place under an atmosphere of accommodation, unity and oneness in the true and traditional spirit of the regional cock symbol party. You will appreciate that we write this letter to you because of our concern and love of our party and we are confident that you also share the same concerns, as we collectively strive to serve our people with the common endeavour of service and sacrifice. With regards, Khekiho Zhimomi MP (Rajya Sabha) Neiphiu Rio MP (Lok Sabha)   Letter to President Naga People's Front & Chairman of DAN on 26th January 2016 Dear Kepetha-o, At the outset, I extend New Year greetings to you and your family. I write this letter as a follow up to the letter jointly written to you by my colleague Late. Khekiho Zhimomi and myself, dated 22nd August 2015 vis a vis the Naga Political issue and the rift within the NPF party and the subsequent reconciliation process that was necessitated on the advice of the Election Commission of India and public request We had expressed our concern on the lack of proper discussion for effecting a meaningful and lasting reconciliation; but were disappointed that the true spirit of reconciliation was not upheld. You will also recall the letters of communication between Mr. Noke and Mr. Kaito with you regarding the issue of reconciliation in the NPF party. During Mr. Khekiho’s tenure, we had approached you individually and jointly with suggestions and recommendation for fostering an atmosphere of goodwill and brotherhood to facilitate the reconciliation process and the need for better coordination between the government and the two MPs from Nagaland. I feel it necessary to inform you that even after the discussion and assurance given by you there has been no consultation by party leaders or elected members regarding party affairs or government matters with me at any point of time till date. No information I communication regarding the Naga issue or party matters have reached me even during the process of reconciliation. I have always kept the interest of the state above every other consideration and my priority will be to continue working for our party and the welfare and progress of the state of Nagaland. As president of the NPF and chairman of the DAN, I feel that you would be the right person to address the various problems, which we face today by overseeing that a healthy working system is in place and also ensure that proper coordination exists at all times. Moreover, I had learnt through the newspapers that a CEC meeting of the NPF party is scheduled to be held on the 29th of January. However, I regret to state that I will not be able to attend the meeting due to prior engagements I meeting at Delhi. With kind regards, Neiphiu Rio