The Naga Rising (TNR) on Tuesday acknowledged that it was unable to adequately support the Rising People’s Party (RPP) due to its own limitations, including resource constraints, following the latter’s merger with the Naga People’s Front (NPF).
In a statement issued after the recent merger announcement, TNR admitted that it could not fulfil its responsibility towards the RPP, which it had initiated as an alternative political platform for Nagaland.
“Due to our own limitations, including resource constraints, TNR could not fulfil its responsibility to help the party. We admit our own failures,” the organisation stated.
According to TNR, the RPP was formed through its initiative to provide a political alternative and work towards bringing “definite transformation” in Nagaland. While the party functioned as an independent political entity, it was organically linked to TNR, which was expected to provide guidance and support.
The organisation said a few of its members, led by Joel Naga, were entrusted with the responsibility of building the party. However, it acknowledged that it was unable to provide the support envisaged when the party was established.
Referring to the merger, TNR said that when the proposal was brought before it as the parent body, it had advised the RPP leadership to explore every possible means to keep the party alive. However, it said the compulsions of the prevailing political situation may have left the party with no alternative but to merge with the NPF.
“We feel sorry that it had to be this way,” the statement said.
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TNR also acknowledged the service and sacrifices of the RPP rank and file, stating that despite their efforts, the party was unable to sustain itself. It wished former RPP members success in their new political journey and expressed hope that they would continue to fight against practices detrimental to the welfare of the people.
Reaffirming its commitment to its founding ideals, TNR said it would continue to uphold its vision of establishing “a political paradigm that defines power with morality, a social order that upholds justice for all and equality before law, a civic governance based on accountability and transparency, and a citizenry that is aware of its rights and respects its obligations.”
The organisation also assured the younger generation that these ideals would continue to guide its future endeavours.
