NAGALAND: NPF RETREATS TO JD(U)’s STATEMENT ON NAGA INTEGRATION

9 July 2018:

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) 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 questioned the JD(U) “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 clear their position without interfering in other political party’s stand”’

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

Further NPF also asserts to be pre-mature to announce by CM of Nagaland that integration is not possible in spite of the Naga National Workers and the Government of India are trying hard to work out the solution.

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. NPF will never consider CM clarification as putting the said issue to rest.

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. When the whole neighbouring North eastern 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.