Kohima Bureau
Kohima, Nov. 22 (EMN): The Leader of the Naga People’s Front legislature party of Dr. Shürhozelie’s group, Küzholüzo Nienu made a fervent appeal to the NSCN(K) and the NNC led by Adinno Phizo to join the ongoing peace process so that the political problems of the Nagas would be solved once and for all.
“The Indo-Naga political talks have reached such a crucial stage that needs to be taken seriously by all concerned. Our years of struggle have definitely borne fruits. However, the solution must be inclusive and it should be honourable and acceptable,” Nienu said while speaking at the NPF general convention at Kohima local ground on November 22.
“As an elected member, it is my bounden duty to appreciate and congratulate all those involved in the ongoing talks. The fulfilment of these dreams is ultimately the achievement of the NPF party’s objective as well,” Nienu remarked.
On the political imbroglio and division within the NPF party which he termed it as the ‘grand old party’, Nienu said that the present turmoil is having its negative impact by weakening and disintegrating the NPF family and further by creating confusion among the Nagas.
“This fragmentation within the NPF family is breaking the very backbone of the party and for which we must act now before it is too late,” he said. Nienu also pointed out that trust deficit has become their greatest concern as of now, and the reason for our division.
“Our party has suffered betrayal and treason of the highest degree. Our own party leaders and MLAs rebelled against the party, a party they all vowed and vouched for to stand by,” Nienu said and regarded the conduct as “unjustifiable.”
“There are habits, courtesies and unwritten codes of decency and honour that should govern the behaviour of every legislator or politician. We are responsible for the mess we have created, the cost of which is corroding public trust and demeaning politics,” Nienu said, while he advised the party workers stating that it is time to put aside the differences and solve the problems.
“We must address the root cause and learn lessons from our past and recent failures. We can grow in strength and wisdom. As a leader, we must pay close attention to the impact of our actions on people’s well being and to respect the rights, dignity and views of the electorates. The people have invested their trust is us and expect the highest standard of integrity from us,” he told his fellow leaders. “What we do or decide today will determine the future course of our party. As a responsible party mandated by the people for three consecutive terms, let us have a forgiving heart and let us welcome back any friends who see the error in themselves.”
Echoing the words of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, Nienu also welcomed the suggestion that it is time for young energetic leaders to come into the frontline of the NPF party.
“Indeed, it is time to usher in a new era for the restoration of the party, an era for the youth, an era of doing what works best. Let us take measures and steps to consolidate and cultivate good young leaders who will walk the talk and shine with God’s wisdom to lead Nagas in the near future,” Nienu remarked.
Stating that the party, for too long, have been played around by some unprincipled individuals who had and have ulterior motives to break the once unwavering and indisputable NPF party, he challenged the party men and women to sacrifice, commit and dedicate themselves more than ever.
MLA Vikheho Swu on Wednesday asked the NPF legislators of Neiphiu Rio’s group to come out clear to which party they belong to.
Speaking at the NPF general convention at Kohima, Swu said many meetings were being held simultaneously in all the districts across the state under the initiative of the other NPF leaders who defected from the party.
“I was told that NPF meetings were being held today in all the districts. Though they claim to be NPF, many of them (leaders) belong to the NDPP,” Swu said mentioning that these leaders cannot lead the Nagas by creating confusion.
“They are creating confusion. They claim to be NPF, but sometimes they are NDPP. If they are NDPP, let them declare themselves,” Swu stated and went on to say that the ECI will come to know the truth after the report of Wednesday’s general convention.
Stating that many party workers have made their presence at Kohima without their elected leader, he encouraged them not to be disheartened, but to stand for what is right.
“Let us search for what is right and not who is right,” Swu said while he slammed the NPF leaders in the other camp for creating divisions on tribal identity.
“With truth on our side, we will fight against the injustices. The 12th assembly has proved to be an unstable house, but this is a blessing in disguise,” he said making a reference of the ‘unconstitutional government’ headed by TR Zeliang.
MLA Swu also thanked the party workers for standing firm on what is right by sticking to the party’s principles and ideologies, while he also termed this year’s general convention as a red letter day for the party in its journey to serve the Naga people.
