Kohima, July 19 (MTNews): Leader of NPF Legislature Party and Co-Chairman of UDA, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu on Tuesday claimed that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) is the only political party that is keeping the Naga political issue alive.
According to a press communiqué from the NPF Press Bureau, Azo said that the NPF, which was “given birth in the Naga soil during the worst turmoil in 1960s,” is not a party that chases “power or position but stood for the cause of the Naga people and the welfare of the Naga people as its priority.” Azo Nienu said this while addressing a “jam-packed” Peren town hall during the party’s re-organization of Peren Division, the party’s Press Bureau said.
He also said that NPF does not belong to, or is controlled by, any individual or leader but that the party belongs to the Naga people and pointed out that “any Naga people is welcome to the NPF and can anytime shelter themselves in the party.”
The NPF leader also stated that since the party is deeply rooted to the Naga society, with or without its representative in the State Assembly, the party will exist and continue to work for the Naga people and their well-being and added that although 21 MLAs defected to NDPP, the grassroots of the party is still intact.
Interestingly, the NPF Press Bureau also projected Azo Nienu as the party’s chief ministerial candidate through the communiqué. “The Chief Ministerial candidate of the NPF also expressed that though the ruling Government party running strong, many of its office bearers resigning and joining the NPF is an indication of lack of confidence in its leadership and the survival of the party,” the communiqué read.
Azo also maintained that the major political parties in the state like BJP may have their roots in India but not in Nagaland while the NDPP’s existence is only in the initial period in Naga society. “Therefore, the NPF signifies the only viable political party that is surviving and battling for the true cause of the Naga people,” he contended. The communiqué also said that Azo Nienu was optimistic that NPF will form the next Government.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of NPF, Achumbemo Kikon, while reiterating that NPF belongs to the entire Naga people, stated that Naga people should take the privilege to be a part of the NPF party.
He also mentioned that NPF has not only given a platform for the Nagas to be united under the party but also the opportunity to express Naga nationalism, and created a platform for all the Nagas of Naga inhabited areas to be emotionally united. He called upon the people to take the responsibility to push forward the NPF for the better future of the Naga people.
Further, it mentioned that the program was significant because “the NDPP leader led by the Peren Region Vice President, Iteichu Zeliang and the other NDPP leaders have resigned and joined NPF in reorganizing the NPF Peren Division.”
The event was chaired by Iteichu Zeliang, invocation prayer by Yangsai, Pastor UBC Peren and benediction prayer was offered by Itingau Paul, touring Catechist, St Paul Parish Peren. Speeches were also delivered by Thepfuselie Makritsu, NPF Peren Division in-charge; Akho Leyri, General Secretary Central; and Kehung Hegui, the press bureau added.