NPF Rejoinder to JD (U) of July 9 2018

Kohima, 9th July 2018

Rejoinder

The Naga People’s Front lambasted the state JD (U) press statement that appeared in the local dailies on 7th July appealing to accept the clarification given by the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio regarding the Naga integration issue.

The NPF question the JD(U) as to why NPF should blindly accept the clarification given by Chief Minister of Nagaland on integration of Naga contiguous areas. If the JD(U) is satisfied with the clarification given by CM they should cleared their position without interfering in other political party’s stand.

The JD(U) cannot insist the NPF to be satisfied with CM’s clarification. As far as the NPF is concerned the aims and objectives of the NPF constitution, categorically emphasized on integration of contiguous Naga Areas and therefore, it will continue to pursue till it is achieved.

The contention of the NPF is that when the Naga National Workers and the Government of India are trying hard to work out the solution, it is too pre-mature to announce by CM of Nagaland that integration is not possible.

As for NPF, the clarification given by the NDPP blaming the media as misinterpretation of CM’s statement which later on followed by CM clarification saying that he was simply interpreting Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh’s view are an attempt to mislead the Naga public and a hurdle on the ongoing peace process.

Therefore, the issue is not concluded here and NPF will never consider CM clarification as putting the said issue to rest.

However, if the JD (U) Nagaland is satisfied with the clarification given by the Chief Minister, they are welcome to explain their position, but should not expect the NPF to accept the clarification along with them.

The NPF seriously view that such a destructive statement coming out from the mouth of the Chief Minister of an important issue, will surely damage the ongoing Peace talks and the future of the Naga people as both the entities are working hard on this contentious issue.

Therefore, the NPF deeply concerned with the million-dollar questionable statement of the Chief Minister uttered on 12 June to the media.

The NPF also wonder as to why the PDA Government is still keeping silent over the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 without clarifying to the people why its Government will not oppose the said Bill. When the whole neighbouring Northeastern states particularly even the BJP rule state, Manipur and Assam is opposing the Bill, the PDA Government have not pointed out the benefit of enforcing the Bill into the Naga soil.

The NPF is not raising the two pertinent issues for the sake as an opposition party but the Government of the day should take any decision concerning the Naga society keeping in mind the welfare and the prosperity of its people.

Further, the NPF warned that the future of the Naga people should not be politicized just for the sake of the chair and funds.

Issued by:
Press Bureau,
Naga People's Front,
Central Headquarter,
Kohima, Nagaland.