The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has rejected former Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president K Therie’s call for President’s Rule in Nagaland, terming the demand unacceptable and maintaining that the Naga political issue should be pursued through democratic and peaceful means.
In a rejoinder issued by its Press Bureau, the NPF said Nagaland has an elected government with the mandate of the people and that President’s Rule under Article 356 cannot be used as a shortcut to bring about a political solution.
“Solution cannot be brought by dismissing a popular Government and creating instability,” the party stated, adding that such a step would not help build the “broad and inclusive understanding” needed for a settlement.
The NPF reiterated that its commitment is to “pave way” as and when an honourable solution is arrived at.
On the agreements between the Naga political groups and the Government of India, the NPF said the State Government is not a signatory to the agreements and plays the role of a facilitator in pushing forward the aspirations of the Naga people.
The party also rejected Therie’s allegation that the NPF was acting as a “roadblock” to a solution and delaying the process for electoral gains or to receive support from the NSCN (IM).
Calling the allegation false, baseless and defamatory, the NPF said the Naga issue is “much bigger than any party or any election” and should not be reduced to electoral politics.
“NPF wins on people’s trust, not on any faction’s support,” it said.
The party said its policy of maintaining closeness with all Naga political groups was intended to bring them together and create a peaceful atmosphere.
The NPF also responded to Therie’s recent praise for former Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir, referring to their past political differences over the publication of Bedrock of Naga Society.
While stating that it has high respect for senior leaders, including Dr Jamir, and their contributions, the NPF said respect does not mean that different views cannot be held. It also maintained that “no single person has sole claim over the Naga political issue.”
On NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, the party defended his remarks and said he had not “coached or insulted anyone”, but was discharging his responsibility as the party’s Secretary General by clarifying the NPF’s position and defending the rights of the people.
The NPF described Therie’s personal criticism of Kikon as uncalled for.
On the issue of a new interlocutor and the proposed Apex Committee, the NPF disputed Therie’s claim that the Government of India had rejected Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s proposal for a new interlocutor.
According to the NPF, the Centre has instead assured the appointment of a ministerial-level Apex Committee to take the process forward.
The party also referred to the September 12, 2024 resolution adopted at a meeting attended by Naga civil society organisations, churches and elected representatives, including the two Members of Parliament, which called for the Naga political talks to be elevated to the political/ministerial level.
Therie had earlier argued that the talks had already concluded and questioned the need for a new interlocutor or committee. He had also alleged that the NPF government was acting as a “roadblock” to the implementation of the Naga agreements and said President’s Rule would be the quickest way to implement them.
The NPF, however, reiterated that it stands for an “early, honourable, inclusive and acceptable” political solution through democratic and peaceful means.
“The Naga issue cannot be solved by blaming each other or through shortcut methods,” the party said, adding that the process requires political will, unity, inclusiveness and mutual trust.