The Youth Wing of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has taken exception to a Facebook post drawing comparison between S.C. Jamir and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
DIMAPUR — The Youth Wing of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has taken exception to a Facebook post by one Bendangyanger Pongen praising former Nagaland Chief Minister S.C. Jamir following his meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, while describing incumbent Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as “disconnected” from Naga issues.
“Dr. Jamir is a senior leader with a long record of service and we have no objection to such meetings. However, the Naga political issue is too sensitive to be reduced to personal comparisons based on a single meeting or photograph. While Nagaland Statehood was a milestone, it did not resolve the larger Naga question,” the Youth Wing stated in a press release.
Disagreeing with the claim that Rio is disconnected from Naga issues, the NPF Youth Wing said the Chief Minister directly represents Naga aspirations before the Government of India by virtue of the office.
It further stated that Rio’s ongoing engagement with the Union Home Minister, along with the indication of ministerial-level talks with Naga groups, constituted a significant step in the peace process.
“The responsibilities of a sitting Chief Minister are far more complex than those of a former Chief Minister. What Nagas need today is unity and mature, factual discourse above personalities,” it stated, added that it stood by the continuing efforts of the Chief Minister and NPF president in pursuing the interests of the Naga people.
The Youth Wing also said it stood by the continuing efforts of the Chief Minister and NPF president in pursuing the interests of the Naga people.
On the claim of disconnection, we disagree. As sitting Chief Minister, Dr. Rio directly represents Naga aspirations before the Government of India, and his ongoing engagement with the Union Home Minister and indication of ministerial-level talks with Naga groups is a significant step in the peace process. The responsibilities of a sitting Chief Minister are far more complex than those of a former Chief Minister. What Nagas need today is unity and mature, factual discourse above personalities.
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