The role of media is not fixed as an antagonistic watchdog, meaning, media will be the bridge to provide information in the light of which citizens can make an informed choice vis-à-vis the issues affecting them. NPF welcomes all constructive criticisms, but is compelled to clarify or refute any misleading information endangering the credibility of the party before the people. NPF Press Bureau is constrained to issue rejoinders from time to time to clarify articles airing the views and opinions of people that are totally misconstrued and hence, misleading. Such is the joint resentment expressed by DzeseviRupreo, ThinuoneioSote and Roukoutoulie and others through the local dailies, over the suspension of former Chief Minister and Hon’bleLokSabha Member Mr. Neiphiu Rio from the NPF.
Whereas, Democratic Party of Nagaland in 1964 to Naga People’s Front today, this grand old COCK Party has gone through occasions where the nomenclature has undergone changes, to suit the demanding situation of the different periods. But the policy, principles and symbol, with the motto –“Fide non armis” meaning “by faith not by arms”, on which the party was founded, has remained steadfast and unchanged.
As a political party, we have our policy, our ideology and principles to bind and guide us, and, working on the basis of all these, we have all worked together, got our legislators, MPs elected and the party successfully spread its wings beyond Nagaland, to Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur state with 4 NPF MLAs in the Manipur Legislator Assembly. The party does not, in the slightest sense, mean to deprive or overlook the hard work, sacrifices and loyalty of party men and women at all levels including the grass root. Every party MLA or MP has sworn under the party constitution to remain steadfast and loyal to the party during party ticket distribution. The party expected Mr. Rio to act as senior advisor through thick and thin even after his departure to Delhi as MP LokSabha on his own interest. The party feels he has a huge obligation to the party men and women for the glory and honor he gained, provided by the party platform. However, the party is dismayed, by his indifference to the party and the party government. The party remains to ensure that the party government functions with stability in its governance and deliver the promises made to the citizens during election time. The party is not only interested to be in power but to see that the stable government delivers.
When it comes to party rules and discipline, the NPF Constitution is the Law Book (or Holy Book) for the party and no member is above it. The party functionaries were compelled to take the harsh decision to suspend Mr. N. Rio MP Lok-Sabha from both primary and active membership of the party based on his own activities and attitude which were not only detrimental but treacherous in nature for the party government in power. His activities were closely observed for an adequate period of time and found it a befitting case to place him under suspension for corrective purpose.
At this juncture, in the interest of all concerned, it is of paramount importance for, supporters, loyalists or well wishers to refrain from throwing denigrating tirades or undemocratic accusations to the NPF or any of its (NPF) leader/s for the inevitable action taken. Suspension is not expulsion; therefore, any such accusation or provocation from loyalists may further embolden the suspended MP to continue his mission that may invite severe party action.