The Central Youth Wing of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has rejected a social media post describing Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio as “disconnected” from Naga issues, saying the Naga political issue should not be reduced to personal comparisons.
In a statement issued through its Media Cell, the NPF Youth Wing said it had taken note of a Facebook post by Bendangyanger Pongen, which praised former Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir following his meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat while criticising Rio’s engagement with Naga issues.
The Youth Wing said it had “no objection” to Dr Jamir’s meeting with Bhagwat, describing Jamir as a senior leader with a long record of public service. However, it maintained that the Naga political issue was “too sensitive” to be assessed through personal comparisons based on a single meeting or photograph.
While acknowledging Nagaland’s attainment of statehood as a milestone, the NPF Youth Wing said it did not resolve the larger Naga political question.
Rejecting the claim that Rio was disconnected from the issue, the Youth Wing said that as the sitting Chief Minister, Rio directly represents Naga aspirations before the Government of India.
It pointed to Rio’s ongoing engagement with the Union Home Minister and his indication of ministerial-level talks with Naga groups as significant steps in the peace process.
The Youth Wing also said the responsibilities of a sitting Chief Minister were more complex than those of a former Chief Minister, and called for “unity and mature, factual discourse above personalities.”
The NPF Youth Wing reiterated its support for the record and continuing efforts of NPF President and Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio.