DIMAPUR, SEP 21 (NPN): The ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) has rejected allegations made by K. Therie, describing them as “baseless, politically motivated and misleading,” and defended its position on the Naga political issue, including its opposition to President’s Rule and its call for an inclusive political solution.
NPF through its press bureau said Nagaland had an elected government with the mandate of the people and asserted that President’s Rule under Article 356 should not be used as a means to seek a political solution.
NPF said President’s Rule could be imposed only when constitutional machinery had failed. It maintained that dismissing an elected government would not help create the broad and inclusive understanding required for a political settlement. The party reiterated its commitment to “pave way” when an “honourable solution” is reached.
On the status of the state government in the Naga political negotiations, NPF said the government was not a signatory to any agreement between the Naga political groups and the Centre, but played the role of a facilitator in advancing the aspirations of the Naga people.
Rejecting Therie’s allegation that NPF was a “roadblock” to a solution and had a nexus with the NSCN (I-M) for electoral gains, the party said it had consistently supported an early, honourable, inclusive, acceptable and lasting solution involving all Naga political groups.
NPF termed as “false and defamatory” the allegation that it was delaying a solution for electoral gains or to secure support from the NSCN (I-M). The party said the Naga issue was “much bigger than any party or any election” and maintained that its policy of maintaining proximity with all groups was aimed at creating conditions for reconciliation and a peaceful atmosphere.
On Therie’s recent praise of former chief minister Dr. S.C. Jamir, the NPF said his position represented a departure from Therie’s earlier criticism of Jamir, particularly over his dismissal from the ministry after opposing the publication of Bedrock of Naga Society. The party said it respected senior leaders, including Jamir, and their contributions but added that such respect did not preclude differences of opinion.
“No single person has sole claim over the Naga political issue,” it said.
Defending NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon, the party rejected Therie’s allegation that Kikon had coached or insulted anyone. It said Kikon was discharging his responsibility by clarifying the party’s position and defending what it described as the rights of the people.
NPF also rejected Therie’s claim that the Centre had turned down the chief minister’s proposal for a new interlocutor, calling the assertion “wild imagination.” The party said the Centre had instead assured that a ministerial-level apex committee would be appointed to take the matter forward.
NPF said it continued to stand by the September 12, 2024, resolution adopted at a meeting attended by Naga civil society organisations, churches and elected members, including the two MPs, calling for the matter to be elevated to the political or ministerial level.
The party reiterated its call for an early, honourable, inclusive and acceptable political solution through democratic and peaceful means. NPF said the issue required political will, unity, inclusiveness and mutual trust rather than “shortcut methods” or mutual blame.
