Naga People's Front rejects Therie’s President’s Rule call, denies delaying Naga peace talks and urges an inclusive political solution through dialogue
DIMAPUR — Even as a fresh episode of political sparring over the long-running Naga peace process continues to take shape, the Naga People's Front (NPF) on Monday threw a counterpunch at former minister K Therie over his call for President’s Rule (PR) and allegations that the party was delaying a political settlement.
In a rejoinder, the NPF described Therie’s allegations as “baseless” and “politically motivated”, while rejecting the imposition of PR as a means of facilitating a solution to the Naga political issue.
The party maintained that Nagaland has an elected government with a mandate from the people and that Article 356 should not be used as a “shortcut” to achieve a political solution.
“Solution cannot be brought by dismissing a popular government and creating instability,” the NPF stated, reiterating that it would “pave way” when an honourable solution is arrived at.
Also read: SC Jamir meets RSS Chief, seeks early settlement to Naga political issue
On the political agreement, the NPF clarified that the state government is not a signatory to any agreement between Naga political groups and the Centre. Its role, it added, was that of a facilitator in advancing the aspirations of the Naga people.
The party also rejected Therie’s allegation that the NPF was acting as a “roadblock” to the peace process or had a nexus with the NSCN (IM) for electoral gains.
The NPF highlighted that it had consistently advocated for an “early, honourable, inclusive, acceptable and lasting solution” involving all Naga political groups. It termed the allegation that the party was delaying the settlement to secure electoral advantage or support from the NSCN (IM) as “false, baseless and defamatory”.
“The Naga issue is much bigger than any party or any election and should not be reduced to electoral politics,” it stated, adding that its policy of maintaining proximity with different groups was aimed at bringing them together and creating a peaceful atmosphere.
The party also took issue with Therie’s recent praise of former Chief Minister SC Jamir, pointing to his past opposition to Jamir following his removal from the ministry over his stand on the publication of Bedrock of Naga Society.
While maintaining that the party respected senior leaders, including Jamir, and their contributions, it asserted that respect did not preclude differences of opinion. “No single person has sole claim over the Naga political issue,” it added.
Defending its Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, the NPF stated that he had not “coached or insulted” anyone but was discharging his responsibility by clarifying the party’s position and defending the rights of the people. It termed Therie’s personal attack on Kikon “uncalled for.”
Regarding an interlocutor and an apex committee, the NPF rejected Therie’s claim that the Centre had turned down Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s proposal for a new interlocutor.
Instead, the party stated that the Centre had assured the state of appointing a ministerial-level apex committee to take the process forward.
The NPF also reiterated its support for the resolution adopted at an all-party and civil society meeting on September 12, 2024, which, it said, was attended by Naga civil society organisations, churches and elected representatives, including both Members of Parliament. The resolution called for elevating the engagement to the political/ministerial level.
The party reiterated its call for an early, honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution through democratic and peaceful means.
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