Dr. Shürho cautions Nagas against ‘gambling’ with their faith, identity
NPF president, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu has warned Naga people not to gamble with their faith, culture and identity, even as he accused NDPP of partnering with BJP to set its roots in Nagaland to persecute Nagas. He admitted that NPF did have an alliance with BJP for 14 years, but clarified that the regional party never encouraged the latter to set its foot “on our land”.
Addressing a huge gathering during an election rally at Shamator for NPF candidate R Tohanba, Shürhozelie said “NDPP married BJP and offered 20 seats to them and is on the verge of giving birth to BJP in our land.” He reminded the gathering that “NPF is the only regional party of the State which represents the identity and aspiration of Nagas” and that the party belonged to every Naga.
He also called upon the people to join hands with NPF to protect their future and faith.
Speaking on the party manifesto, Dr. Shürhozelie claimed that it was written based on the all-round development and that it was practical and not a visionary book or a mere wish-list. He asserted that the manifesto concentrated mainly on uplift of rural areas and rural people.
The NPF president warned that in the upcoming election, many Naga leaders as well as voters looking for money would bargain “our identity as well as our faith”, but predicted that NPF would form the next government with absolute majority.
“God must be weeping when Naga leaders are selling the rights and freedom of Naga people for their sheer greed for power and money”, he said, adding that many Naga leaders embraced any ideology just for their self-interest, which might be very harmful for the Naga society.
Dr. Shürhozelie claimed that many achievements had taken place during the 15-year rule of NPF, but regretted that the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly witnessed the greatest crisis in the history of Nagaland government. He attributed the crisis to “some corrupt and power-mongering” leaders.
Dr. Shürhozelie declared that many of these leaders were dropped from the party and denied party tickets.
NPF’s two working presidents– Apong Pongener and Huska Yepthomi, party’s central secretary Changlemba and youth wing central general secretary Sentiyanger also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the NPF candidate Tohanba delivered the welcome speech. While NPF’s Shamator-Chessore general secretary S Yanhokiu chaired the programme, divine blessings were invoked by SJ Akhem, executive secretary YBBA and vote of thanks was given by party’s Shamator-Chessore president Y Tokiu. This was stated in a press release issued by NPF.
BJP lost confidence in TR ministry: Rio
Correspondents
KOHIMA, FEB 16 (NPN): NDPP chief ministerial candidate and former chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, on Friday said that the BJP sealed alliance with NDPP because the Central BJP leaders lost confidence in the Zeliang ministry. Rio claimed BJP could not trust TR Zeliang because he lied, betrayed others, became corrupt and divided the people.
Addressing the election campaign programme of party candidates at Kohima town, Chozuba, Tseminyu and Satakha on Friday, Rio expressed confidence that NDPP-BJP alliance would from the next government in Nagaland with an absolute majority. Former chief minister also assured to provide a stable government and work on the development agenda of the Prime Minister.
Rio asserted special focus would be given to peace, development, youth, women and farmers.
On the concerns raised over religious issue, Rio stated that constitution guarantees India to be a secular state while Article 28 guarantees freedom of religion for all. “We have nothing to fear” Rio added.
Further, Rio said that his party was committed to protect Naga identity, culture and traditions, and also safeguard religious ethics.
On the claim of TR Zeliang that NPF has sealed pre-poll ties with JD (U), Rio alleged that the chief minister was a habitual liar. He reminded Zeliang that being in the oldest regional party (NPF) did not guarantee the party to form the government.
Rio said that NPF-led DAN government could develop nothing in spite of having alliance with BJP for the last four years and receiving huge funds. Instead salaries and scholarships could not be paid, he added.
Raking up education qualification issue, Rio said Zeliang lied to the people, saying that an affidavit recently filed by TR Zeliang mentioned as “BA appeared” though in the last election affidavit he mentioned BA passed.
He appealed to the people to exercise their wisdom and vote NDPP to power so that progressive changes could be brought about in Nagaland.
NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak, who also spoke at the campaign programmes, said the party would work towards transparency, accountability and fight against corruption and restore governance system. “Our government will be a responsive government,” he said.
He said Nagaland needed transformation and change for which NDPP has been formed to make it happen.
Others who spoke at the election campaign programmes included party candidates Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire (9 Kohima Town A/C), Kudecho Khamo (18 Chozuba A/C), Er. Ghukhui Zhimomi (36 Satakha A/C), R Khing (12 Tseminyu A/C) besides senior BJP leader Johnny G. Rengma and other leaders of the party.