Principal Correspondent
Kohima, March 20
Both the groups of the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) today submitted the final written arguments on their claims and counter claims over the issue of ‘NPF party symbol’ before the Election Commission of India (ECI). Sources in NPF led by Noke Wangnao said that the counsel of advocates representing Noke Wangnao made the written submission of the arguments made before ECI on March 13 last, while NPF led by Dr. Shürhozelie had also submitted their arguments in written.
However, the final verdict of the ECI is pending as it would go through the matter precociously while also considering the related decisions taken in the past before coming to final conclusion, sources said.
The case on party symbol pending final verdict before the ECI becomes interesting as both sides now have 19 members each, sources said, adding that on the other hand eight out of the nine members suspended by the NPF ‘Central Office Kohima’ still remains while that of MLA Shetoyi, who had fled the dissident camp on March 18 had been revoked yesterday by the ‘president’.
It may be mentioned here that the ECI on March 13 heard the arguments of both the NPF factions in New Delhi, but asked both sides to submit written summaries of the argument on or before March 20.
Further, sources in both the camps agreed that the ECI is likely to take more time on pronouncing the verdict.
Noke led NPF for party reconciliation and unity
The NPF under the leadership of Noke Wangnao and G. Kaito Aye has said that in case the Election Commission of India (ECI) allots the party symbol in its favour, it will continue to stand for reconciliation and unity of the party.
“We have always maintained right from the beginning that the problem is within the NPF party and that the matter has to be resolved within the NPF family. We firmly believe in the ideals and principles of the party and will always stand by the ideology of the NPF,” said a statement issued by Kaito Aye and Noke Wangnao.
On the ongoing political crisis, the statement said, the genesis of the problem began when the then president of the NPF refused to recognise the democratic principle respecting the majority. It said, if the majority view was respected and the voice of the overwhelming majority of the NPF legislators was heard and acknowledged, the crisis would have been resolved there and then.
The party reiterated its commitment made in the election manifesto of 2013 and that it will extend full-fledged support as facilitator to the ongoing political dialogue for early resolution of the Indo-Naga which is honourable and acceptable to the people.
“We have committed to pave way for any alternative arrangement and we continue to stand by our commitment given to the people.”
Stating that the 2013 mandate of the electorate of Nagaland was a mandate in favour of the NPF and its leadership, the statement said it cannot afford to betray the people’s trust. “Our topmost priority is peace and progress as committed in our manifesto.”
