Kohima: Naga People’s Front (NPF) President Shurhozelie Liezietsu has reiterated Front’s support extended to the ongoing Naga peace process and stated that the recent signing of the ‘Framework Agreement’ between the Union Government and the NSCN (I-M) on August 3 was the beginning of the process for a final political settlement.
According to a release issued by NPF press bureau today, Dr Shurhozelie, while addressing the felicitation programme of NPF elected Autonomous District Council (ADC) Members held at Ukhrul Town Hall, the district headquarters in Manipur yesterday said “We believe in the wisdom of the NSCN (I-M) leadership that they are trying their best to achieve what will be best for the Naga people, while hammering out the points for the agreement.”
He called upon Naga brethren to be sincere rather than being apprehensive and doubtful at this crucial juncture.
Shurhozelie said it was time for Nagas to contribute to the peace process and exchange positive advice in support of an early settlement in the larger interest of the whole Naga community. He said Nagaland legislators were now more concerned with the ongoing peace dialogue than their own political party affiliation.
“Which is why eight erstwhile Congress MLAs have now merged into NPF mainly because of their determination to clear the mind of the Central leaders that Nagas want peace with one voice,” he said exuding confidence that all other political parties would soon follow suit to support the ongoing peace process.
NPF party felicitated a total of 56 NPF ADC members from Chandel, Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul & Sadar Hill Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of Manipur. Chairmen and ADC leaders of respective districts vowed to uphold the principles of the party. Altogether there are 56 NPF ADC members in Manipur out of which two are women members. Addressing on the occasion, Awangbou Newmai President NPF of Manipur State Unit (MSU) said the party stands for Nagas’ rights in particular and tribal rights in general, while urging upon all the newly elected ADC members of all the hill districts present on the occasion to abide by the party Constitution and principles.
“You are not elected as leaders to distribute schemes but to defend the rights of the people,” he told the elected ADC members. Announcing that 11 BJP leaders have joined NPF recently in Chancel district, Newmai assured that Chandel Council will be formed in a few months time.
In his welcome address, Samuel Risom representing Ukhrul Assembly Constituency said that when NPF made its entry into Manipur in 2011, the State Government was apprehensive that the party would harm the State’s interests but it is the other way round. (UNI)
