Reconciliation – NPF’s only lifeline for stable government

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he emergence of Naga people’s Front (NPF) as a political force from the ashes of ‘Bedrock of Naga Society’ in 2003 saw an era of new politics in Nagaland. The NPF after assuming power in 2003 with its pro-people policies started winning the confidence of the people. This was made visible during the 2008 Assembly polls and reaffirmed in 2013 when the party managed to finally bulldoze its main rival, the Congress, by winning 38 out of 60 seats.With the faith of the Naga people reposed heavily of the party’s leadership to perform, the regional party ought to have kept its political vision clear. Instead of capitalizing on the unwavering support extended to the party by the Naga people and securing the party’s future, the party resorted to destroy itself due to vested interest. The tug-of-war among the party legislators for the Chief Minister’s post after Niephiu Rio vacated to become a Lok Sabha member, blinded them from their responsibilities towards the people of the State. Seeking lucrative berths and constantly changing leadership seems to have become the political order of the day. Now having already lost two good years as a result of internal political instability, the party bosses and the legislators need to wake up and realize the moral responsibility they owe to the people. To start with, the ongoing political scenario fuelled by leadership change needs to see an early end. As the adage clearly teaches us, ‘with great power comes great responsibilities’, the legislators as well as the party workers, starting from the president, could do well to initiate a reconciliation process at the earliest. This is also the wish of the people. More so, as a Christian state, the principals of our faith should not be forgotten. Senior party leaders Dr. Shurhozelie and Noke Wangnao instead of aiming their guns on one another should initiate the reconciliation process- an act which will be well appreciated. For prolonging the on-going political impasse will not work to anyone’s benefit but only amount to stalling all round development. Something the leaders themselves would not want to be remembered for. Besides, to bring political instability is not the reason they have been elected to power in the first place. Finally, the party needs to realize that the Naga people have not forgotten the NPF party’s manifesto which brought them back to power for three consecutive times. Hence, the least they should do is to bring back normalcy through reconciliation and allow the government machinery to function effectively for progress and tranquillity in the State. Lastly, if the reconciliation process is taken up in later and spirit, it could go a long way to strengthen the leadership of Dr. Shurhozelie, as a veteran regional politician and chief minister TR Zeliang. However, any partial process could destroy the future of the party and lead to a worsen situation which will be against the wishes of the Naga people. So it will be the sincere prayer of all party well wishers that a total reconciliation process is initiated to resolve the imbroglio at the earliest without any bias. Ralanthang Yangthan Former Deputy Speaker