Yoruba: NPF President Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu on Monday said the party was founded not by choice but out of necessity in the interest of the Nagas and that politics without Naga political issue does not have meaning and relevance.
He stated this while interacting with media persons on the sidelines of a coordination meeting at Yoruba village under 18 Chozuba Assembly Constituency (AC) in Phek district.
He added that the regional party exists to protect the regional interest and democratic rights; preserve the cultural heritages, faith and speak the truth for posterity.
On Naga People’s Front’s prospect in the upcoming election, he expressed hope of winning 12-15 seats or more.
He also expressed concern over the seizure of a whopping amount of cash, drugs and liquor during this election period by the various enforcing agencies, saying that it will spoil the future.
Lieizietsu claimed that this election is ‘purely money game’, which can spoil the future of the Nagas, while lamenting over rely on other states for various commodities besides central funds.
In his address, the NPF chief said the party has stepped into the 60th year of existence, and will observe the 60th NPF Foundation Day on October 21 this year by voicing the Naga issue and facilitating the same.
Recounting the Naga plebiscite in 1951, he said it was an affirmation of the ‘uniqueness of the Nagas’ and to strengthen the Naga movement with overwhelming participation of the Naga people.
Further dwelling on the past, he said the Nagas had decided not to participate in Indian General Election in 1952 saying that they were not Indians. He recalled how Nagas were anxiously waiting for the visit of first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, to Kohima on March 30, 1953, with the hope of placing their grievances before him.
On the windy day, many Nagas gathered at Kohima local ground waiting for Nehru’s arrival with that elders in warrior’s costume ready to hand over a representation to him, but things took a different turn after the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Borkataki, announced ‘that Nagas could listen to Nehru but they could not speak to him or submit a representation to him’, Lieizietsu narrated.
The Nagas left the ground, leaving with few government officials during the reception, which Nehru took as an insult, and upon his return to Delhi took punitive actions against the innocent population and suppressing the Naga political movement of the Nagas, which resulted in the outbreak of violence in Nagaland with atrocities being meted out to the public by the Indian Army, he said.
He also recalled the circumstances that led to the formation of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) due to the outbreak of violence in Nagaland in the later part of 1953, which prompted the Naga leaders to have consultations with one another to save the situations and held its first meeting on August 22, 1957 at Kohima.
He reiterated that the Indian government then imposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) regulations in April 1958, in Naga areas and exists to this day.
Meanwhile, he reminded the participants on how the 16-Point Agreement was signed in 1960 by the “over-ground” and the government of India although it was proposed to be done between the Government of India and the Naga “undergrounds”.
Liezietsu pointed out that when the agreement was signed, people expected bloodshed to stop but the 16-Point Agreement failed to do that; rather it escalated the situation.
He then stated that during the intervening period between the signing of the 16-Point Agreement of 1960 and installation of the first Nagaland Legislative Assembly in February 1964, where an Interim Body with an Executive Council was installed.
He maintained that the party was formed to represent the voice of the Nagas and for the early resolution to the Naga political issue.
Liezietsu wondered if dozens of political parties are talking about the Nagas issue in this election are doing so for the Nagas.
‘After all the bloodshed for the Naga cause, we cannot bring down the level of politics with clashes between clans, villages, tribes, and if we do so, we will commit sins in the sight of God,’ he said.
He reminded the participants to look back and pass on the truth to the youngsters for posterity.
The leader also asserted that politics and religion cannot be separated; rather the people should seek divine intervention to speak to them as religion is the foundation of one’s life.
While asserting that India, being a democratic country, guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of religion and that Nagas have good tolerance towards all religions, he reminded the gathering about the need to keep a guard of their own religion.
He admitted to the party facing a setback in the recent past but maintained that it stands on a firm foundation which can never be shaken by any force and will overcome the present setback sooner than expected through hard work.
He also said that the party could not be reorganised in a span of 10 months after several of its legislators left, and thus could not field candidates in many of the assembly constituencies, taking solace in the fact that no political party is contesting all the 60 seats this time.
Liezietsu opined that no political party will be able to secure an absolute majority and so there is no point of the party getting disheartened for fielding less candidates and a coalition government is likely this time too.
The NPF Chief also maintained that the party had always stood for the Naga cause despite all trials and allegations against it. He said the party fully supports a settlement which is 'honourable, acceptable and inclusive'. Despite all changes that have been witnessed, the Naga issue remains steadfast and has not changed, so too the party’s principle, he added.
Dr Liezietsu also expressed concern over many leaders in the society falling prey to praise and money power. The NPF stands against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he continued.
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