Mokokchung, 5 April (MTNews): A mass rally convened today at Town Hall, Mokokchung, witnessed a gathering of prominent political figures of the state, including Chief Minister Rio and several members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, who gathered to endorse the candidacy of Dr Chumben Murry, the PDA consensus candidate for the Lok Sabha election 2024. The rally underscored the importance of unity and emphasized the pressing need to secure a comprehensive Naga Political Solution.
Addressing the rally, Dr Murry reiterated his commitment to representing the entirety of Nagaland, transcending inter-tribal divisions. In shedding light on the alleged persecution faced by minorities, particularly the Christian community in certain pockets of India, he asserted that the entirety of the BJP does not harbor animosity towards minorities, but rather, it is the exception of a few fanatics.
Dr Murry also articulated his resolve to become an integral part of the North East Christian Forum in Assam upon assuming office as the Lok Sabha MP that has been working to reduce the hardships endured by Christians nationwide. He also said there was a Parliamentary Christian Forum for which, he said, he will join the forum if he wins to ensure that Christian persecution is reduced. According to him, rather than criticizing the political party, one has to get into the political system to have dialogue and consensus.
Drawing parallels between a politician and a farmer, Dr Murry emphasized that a successful political career requires sowing of three seeds: Peace, Development, and Progress. He observed that there has been relatively peaceful governance at the Centre for the past five years, while acknowledging that peace within the state is not achieved “without any effort.”
“The 60 MLAs under Chief Minister Rio have come together to work for peace and will be working for it. Likewise, the 60 MLAs have come together for the Naga Political Solution. Thus, a political affairs committee will be set up to push for the Naga Political Solution,” added Dr Murry while acknowledging that the Naga legislators are not part of negotiating parties but their role is to facilitate the process.
Dr Chumben Murry, a gynecologist by profession and the consensus candidate of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), expressed his gratitude to be on a “very solid ground as never in the history of Nagaland 60 MLAs has backed a Lok Sabha candidate like he has been backed”. The PDA has 9 political entities- NDPP, BJP, NPF, NCP, NPP, JD (U), LJP (RV), RPI and independent parties.