By Z. Lohe | EMN
Had not NPF been rejected by BJP, the relationship would have remained and had not NPF thus provoked, its clandestine ties with BJP for the last 4 decades since 1977 would have been divulged for general consumption. And had the reactionary statements of NPF to BJP soon after severing ties contained sobriety, comment of this nature would not have been necessary. People believe that NPF’s alliance with BJP was of recent tie up after it changed its nomenclature to NPF. Yet, 40 years, from 1977 till 2017 is a long time. Whereas, NPF used to have the audacity to claim the regional identity all these years. I remember how the erstwhile UDF claimed to be the party that stood for Naga sovereignty movement and branded the erstwhile NNO which merged with Indian National Congress (INC) as anti-Naga sovereign. When I entered into State politics some 35 years ago, I came across many Nagas were hypnotised to believe that supporting the erstwhile NNDP was as good as standing for Naga Independence as though this regional party candidates never took oath for integrity and sovereignty of India under the Constitution of India to fight for Assembly seats. As the years rolled on, people started realizing that rules thus exist for election or for governance are for all the people belonging to regional party or national party to follow alike without exemption.
Meanwhile, after 40 years of association with BJP, the local papers carried the news about NPF’s severing ties with BJP on 20.7.2017. Whereas, while NPF was struggling to save Dr. Shurozelie’s ministry, BJP, its 40 years ally, was offered even 2 cabinet posts and parliamentary secretary posts. Yet, BJP rejected the offer and preferred to stand for Chief Minister TR Zeliang. Only then the grape became sour. It is ironic for NPF to warn the Naga people to beware of BJP elements trying to ‘pierce the Trishul into the heart-land of Christ’.
Let me once again remind NPF what is BJP made of? BJP is the political platform of Hinduism. BJP survives by VHP, Bajrang Dal and RSS in particular. In the words of the famous columnist Kuldip Nayar, “If there was any iota of doubt about the links between RSS and BJP, PM Modi dispelled it. He presented his key ministers to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and asked them to provide information on the working of their ministries.” –Nagaland Post 17.9.2015. Yet, NPF’s alliance with Hinduism party as BJP was not accidental but intentional and motivational.
In March 2010, Ram Nath Kovind, as BJP spokesman, vehemently opposed the inclusion of Muslim and Christian converts in the Scheduled Castes as recommended by Justice Ranganath Misra Commission. RN Kovind branded ‘Islam and Christianity are alien to India’ quoting from Morung Express dt. 21.6.2017. Whereas, NPF had unanimous decision to vote for Ram Nath Kovind just the other day and made him the President of India. In other words, you have agreed with your candidate that we, the Christians, are alien to India.
Being the ally of BJP for 40 years up to 18th July 2017, NPF preferred to remain mute when Christian Calendars have been unconstitutionally infringed since 2014. What greater threat to the existence of Christianity when not allowed to celebrate Christmas and Good Friday peacefully in our own land? NPF refused to notice how Churches were vandalised, nuns raped, pastors and missionaries were persecuted by BJP workers. Even the tomb stones of Christians were not spared. The BJP workers hate not only the living Christians but even their death. Yet, NPF calls BJP as the ‘natural ally’ as published by Eastern Mirror 29.6.2017.
When BJP Govt. banned sale, purchase and slaughter of cow, secular people in Kerela sharply reacted. Followed by fellow Christians in Mizoram who held ‘Beef Ban Banking Banquet’ to welcome the visit of Union Home Minister Rajnath to Aizawl. JV Hluna, President, BJP of Mizoram State challenged the beef ban saying that the Bible permits eating beef. Meghalaya State Govt. adequately reacted to all anti-Christian policies framed by BJP. What a farce was the NPF’s so called ‘beef feast’ at Kohima on 21.7.2017 which appeared in local dailies on 22.7.2017 immediately after severing ties with BJP? In fact, NPF had no disagreement with BJP’s policies except that the former was angered by the latter’s refusal to rescue the ship that sank.
It is simply pitiable to read NPF’s statement dated 20.7.2017 that ‘...all these years and playing host to the saffron party was successful in containing the agenda of the BJP in Nagaland.’ I am not convinced so. Rather the Trishul was pieced into the heart of NPF ministry and fatally injured it jointly by ‘Hereka boy’ and RSS Pracharak Governor. Also saying that ‘BJP has another thinking coming because its culture and mentality were alien to the Naga people’. Had BJP responded to the invitation of NPF and continue to be the ally in ruling or in opposition, will NPF ever come out with the above few truths about its natural ally? The just deposed CM Dr. Shurhozelie humbly admitted that ‘due to its alliance with BJP, the party on many occasion could not speak out the truth’. He is indeed the face of NPF, and as the most elderly figure admitted compromise of its beliefs for the sake of relationship with the saffron party. Though too late, such admission of fact befits the status of a Christian leader. Such dilution of the political principle is as not simple as one can admit and another can hear of; it is very serious because of its ramifications on our society. Whatever said and done, the credit should go to Dr. Shurhozelie who revoked the Rongmei recognition as a tribe in Nagaland. Similar credit should go to NPF for being the sponsor of BJP to have established its roots, the Hinduism root, in our small land called Nagaland for Christ.
