Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 21 (EMN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) President Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu on Friday said the unique history of the Nagas remains the same and so too NPF’s stand on it, while reiterating that the party fully supports an 'honourable, acceptable and inclusive' settlement to the Naga political issue.
He was addressing the thanksgiving service of NPF’s 60th Foundation Day at its central headquarters office in Kohima.
Congratulating the NSCN (IM) and WC-NNPG for agreeing to form "Council of Naga Relationships and Cooperation”, the NPF chief said “this coming together may be the only hope for a peaceful settlement” with the Indian government not willing to go for a piecemeal settlement while signing two agreements with two parties.
“As its name indicates, this party belongs to the people of Nagaland wherever they may be, to whatever political party they may belong to these days,” he said while hailing its founders who envisioned to protect the regional interest of the people and to represent the identity of the Naga people.
Liezietsu said the NPF remains strong despite staying in the Opposition because it stands for the truth.
Pointing out that almost all the present political leaders in Nagaland started their career from the party, he said many of them had gone astray in search of greener pastures. “We do not blame them because they are enjoying life at the cost of their children's future,” he added.
He urged the party leaders to have courage, look ahead with clear conscience and not go astray from the truth, adding that the party was set up on October 21, 1963 to protect the democratic rights of the people.
He said the party will build a new and strong team with its four heroes (MLAs) who didn’t defect to the NDPP and play against others in the upcoming tournament (assembly polls), adding that some very good players are expected to join the team.
“With their defection, many people might have been thinking that NPF is finished. Yes, we have to admit that it was a setback for us for some time, because it was a great betrayal not only to the NPF party but to the Nagas as a whole,” he said, adding that the party is not worried as its organisations at different levels are still remaining intact.
Speaking on the occasion, Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu urged the party workers to be loyal and stand the stormy weather, like the pioneers of the NPF who stood the test of time.
He stressed on the need to seek God first; to realise, regret and repent to rebuild the party. Be an asset and not a liability to the party, he added.
‘Strong regional party is required to keep Naga political cause alive and to protect the rights and identity of the Naga people,’ he said while pointing out that trust deficit and rumours had taken toll on the party. He urged the party workers to trust one another with respect and humbleness.
He went on to say that the party is at its lowest but would be cleansed and rebuilt from scratch.
Secretary General of NPF, Achumbemo Kikon, in his introductory speech, highlighted the history of the party- how it aspires to bring a solution to the protracted Naga political issue and sacrificed for the Naga caused.
He also encouraged the party workers not to be disheartened but to remain steadfast in their commitment to serve the people.
On the occasion, former State Chaplain Rev K Luruo gave a sermon and urged the party to pass on the legacy and stand firm on their ground.
Earlier, a welcome address was delivered by Apong Pongener, Working President of NPF.
The NPF also welcomed activist Dr. Roland Lotha and his supports from the 39th Sanis Assembly Constituency (AC), Wokha district, to the party.
In his short speech, the new entrant vowed to work for the party and strengthen its leadership.
Welcome address was delivered by Pusazo Luruo, Working President NPF, and the programme was chaired by Tsumongo Ovung, Sr Vice-president NPF and COB i/c Wokha Division.