Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 2 (EMN): The president of Naga People’s Front (NPF), Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, on Wednesday said that the party is deeply rooted in the unique history of the Naga people and was “founded to safeguard the interest of the Nagas and to help ensure a secured future for our children”.
He was speaking during the party ticket distribution ceremony to its 10 candidates who will contest in the upcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly election to be held on February 27 and March 3.
The party tickets were handed over to the candidates -- Langhu Paulhring Anal, Dangsawa Korungthang Maring, Leishiyo Keishing, Ram Muivah, Khoho Siile Antony, Losii Dikho, M Francis Ngajokpa, Awangbow Newmai, and Khangthuanang Panmei – at the ceremony chaired by NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon at the party’s central office in Kohima.
Liezietsu reminded the gathering that the party (earlier called Nagaland People's Council) was founded in 1963 amid violence, bloodshed and turbulent circumstances by a few Naga leaders whose integrity had withstood the test of time.
“The party pioneers were not envisioned but ingrained into the very fibre of the party, the guiding principles and objectives of restoration of the peaceful environment in the land, the rule of law in a vibrant democracy, and the deepest respect for the rights of the Nagaland citizens.
“A never dying spirit of Naga nationalism imbibed with deep compassion for the suffering Nagas impelled the pioneers to form this regional political party. It was intended to be a party of the people and for the people of Nagaland,” said the president.
He stated that one of the main objectives of the NPF is to work for peace and settlement of the long-standing indo-Naga political problem.
“We appeal to the conscience of the conflicting parties to respect the wishes of the people for a political settlement. Since we are not a conflicting party, we can only assist in any possible manner to facilitate the process as our Constitution says,” he stated.
While stating that the Indo-Naga political problem must be solved through a political and humane approach, he urged the members to stick to the principle of the party.
‘As members of this political party, each of us has the responsibility to see that we stand by the principle of our party and play our role sincerely. If we fail to play our role as demanded, posterity will judge us,’ he said.
‘While every member is free to express his/her mind in the meetings, one must always be conscious that any expression tending to factional attempts, which are likely to jeopardise party interest or which may instigate communal tension, hatred, etc. among the people, shall be prohibited. This political party, as stated earlier, is not just a party, but we have a special responsibility to uphold the unique history of our people, and as such, discipline is important to us,’ he added.
Speaking about the party’s venture into Manipur politics, Liezietsu said that it initially faced difficulties but not anymore. He acknowledged the party leaders who had withdrawn their candidatures from contesting in the upcoming Manipur elections at the request of the party.
“I want to ensure that the Central Office will do its best to see that this is not merely an expression of gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices but that the party will translate it into a reality to recognise the sacrifices made by our leaders,” he said.
While congratulating the 10 selected candidates, he said that the ‘ticket is a license which will earn them (candidates) a good deal of goodwill to come into contact with the electorates in seeking their support and blessings’.
The NPF president also reminded the candidates that the ticket is not just a piece of paper to allow them to contest the elections but a responsibility thrown upon their shoulders to see that they bring laurels to the party.
Meanwhile, Leader of NPF Legislature Party, TR Zeliang said that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had acknowledged the support of the NPF (four MLAs) to enable the government complete the five-year term, during their recent meeting.
He also exuded hope that all the 10 candidates will emerge victorious in the upcoming polls and make the NPF a kingmaker in the government formation in Manipur.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, who is also the chairman of Ticket Selection Committee, said that the NPF has grown from strength to strength since its introduction in Manipur.
Maintaining that the huge number of applicants seeking tickets indicated that the party had delivered the goods in the past, he advised the candidates to reach out to all those who didn’t get the ticket.
Working President and Chairman of Election Committee NPF Manipur unit, Samuel Risom also spoke at the event.