Kohima, September 14 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Monday hit back at veteran leader Dr SC Jamir’s call for President’s Rule in Nagaland and the Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland’s (CNFN) questioning of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC). The party termed both statements “factually incorrect, contradictory” and an attempt to derail the state government’s efforts to secure an early solution to the Naga political issue.
In a statement issued by its Press Bureau, the NPF took exception to Jamir’s remarks in Dimapur on September 12, in which he claimed governance had “almost collapsed” and was “non-existent,” and alleged a tilt towards one “underground” group and the existence of a “Sabotage Club.” The party also responded to a press statement dated September 7 by CNFN, which had questioned the PAC’s role.
Calling for the dismissal of a democratically elected government was “undemocratic” and against the spirit of federalism, the NPF said, adding that Jamir’s demand, reportedly made in an article by Nirendra Dev in Raisina Hills, “undermines the democratic rights of the Naga people.” It noted that President’s Rule in Nagaland the past “has never brought stability nor taken the Naga issue forward.”
Rejecting the claim that governance had collapsed, the party said day-to-day administration was functioning and development activities were ongoing, while the State Government continued to pursue the Naga political issue with the Centre. It alleged that Jamir’s remark was “an insult to the mandate given by the Naga people.”
On the allegation that Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio favoured a “one particular UG group,” the NPF said the charge was made “without evidence” and was “irresponsible.” The party said it had shifted from Jamir’s earlier policy of “equi-distance” towards all Naga groups to one of “equi-closeness,” and accused critics of branding fellow Nagas as a “Sabotage or Status Quo Club” for vested interests, which it said only deepened divisions. “The delay in solution is due to pending complex issues between Naga groups and GoI, not due to any club in Nagaland,” it clarified.
Defending the PAC’s recent demand, the NPF said talks had been reduced to the bureaucratic Advisor level since the departure of former interlocutor RN Ravi, eroding confidence among all parties. It said a consultative meeting of the PAC, attended by civil society groups, tribal Hohos, intellectuals and elected members had unanimously sought the upgradation of talks to the political or ministerial level to expedite the peace process. “This is not asking for fresh negotiation but giving political mandate to conclude what is already negotiated as Naga issue is a Political issue,” it added.
Responding to the CNFN’s query on the basis for the Chief Minister’s announcement of an MoS-level committee, the NPF said Dr Rio had earlier this year led a delegation, including PAC members and the state’s two MPs, to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. It said Shah had given a “positive assurance” for a ministerial-level team, which the Chief Minister subsequently made public through the press and the Assembly session.
The NPF further asserted that the PAC comprised representatives of all political parties in the government, including the two MPs, and rejected the charge that it had undermined the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, describing its role instead as that of a “facilitator” for an honourable settlement.
The party said its NPF-led Peoples’ Democratic Alliance (PDA) government had ensured that talks were being pursued at the “highest ministerial level,” and accused the CNFN of trying to keep negotiations “in limbo” by opposing a political-level interlocutor.
“The people want solution, not semantics and blame games,” the NPF said, reiterating its demand for an “early, honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution” to the Naga political issue.
