Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 14 (EMN): The secretary general of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and advisor to the Chief Minister, Abu Metha, stated that the party was committed to extend its fullest support to the core committee of the parliamentary committee on Naga political issue and facilitate the peace process.
He stated this while formally inaugurating the NDPP office of Pughoboto region in Pughoboto town under Zunheboto district on August 13.
Metha asserted that whatever resolution the core committee and parliamentary committee take, be it before or after the election, NDPP would support them.
"We want an early solution of the Naga political issue and we want permanent peace in Nagaland," Metha said.
Maintaining that NDPP is a regional party that has "roots in Naga regionalism with a national outlook," he affirmed that the same is equally concerned for international issues such as gender equality, women empowerment, environmental protection or preservation of biodiversity.
Metha stated that NDPP is a "serious political party," which was formed after consultation and deliberation with all sections of the society and said, "NDPP has some of the best leadership not only in the state but in the region as well as the country."
Describing NDPP as an "advanced party," he assured that they would relay the feelings, issues and requirements of the citizens of Pughoboto back to the chief minister following which the latter would reach out to them and lay the roadmap of his visions for the people.
Lamenting that Nagaland has been long known for "violence and insurgencies," Metha stated that Nagas today need to be known for the success and achievement of the youth in sports and arts among many.
Describing Pughoboto as a "historic and legendary place" not only in Zunheboto district but the entire state, he acknowledged how the sons and daughters of the region had sacrificed and given their best for both the Naga movement as well as the journey of the state since 1963.
Seeking the continued support of the people of Pughoboto towards the future of the Nagas, he expressed happiness that their MLA Y Vikheho Swu had joined NDPP for the "welfare of the people".
"Vikheho is a leader who has vision and has greater things destined for him" Metha said, adding that the legislative member has "love and concern" not only for the people of Pughoboto but the Nagas as a whole.
Stating that they had done away with "VIP culture," to committedly serve the citizens and grassroots under their motto, he exuded confidence that NDPP is all set to win even the next election and come to power and form the government again.
He, therefore, sought the support of the people from Pughoboto towards the party so that they could bring development in the region through Swu, their NDPP MLA.
Speaking on the occasion, Swu acknowledged the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, and the NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak, for their "concern and vision" for people because of whom they have come up with the office in Pughoboto and thanked all concerned both alive and departed for their contributions towards growth of the party.
While dwelling on his theme for 2023 "Vision $begins," he announced a series of initiatives undertaken at Pughoboto. He informed that as part of the continuation of "Green Pughoboto," they have been planting tree saplings in all the villages and added that another programme known as "Skilling Pughoboto" is also under progress.
Informing that a mini-secretariat besides few other facilities would soon be inaugurated in the subdivision, he announced about other plans and programmes which would be implemented in Pughoboto.
MLA Yitachu, who was also present during the event, stated that NDPP under the leadership of the chief minister is "stable and without any dispute." He asserted that they had joined the party 'without compromising their principle and vision of the Nagas and regionalism'.
As the democratic institution cannot remain empty, he reminded the people of Pughoboto to act responsible by sending their representative to fill the house. As such, he asked the party men and women to support NDPP and their candidate during election.
Vihoto Shohe, advisor of NDPP Pughoboto region; Dr. John Murry, treasurer of NDPP; and others also spoke during the programme.