Leader of the Naga People’s Front Legislature Party (NPFLP), Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, has welcomed the stepping down of N. Biren Singh as the chief minister of Manipur, calling it a case of “better late than never.”
Speaking to Nagaland Post on the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, Azo stated that he had no criticism of Singh’s administration, emphasizing that if Singh had been effective, he should have been allowed to continue. However, he acknowledged that if Singh had become an obstacle to peace, the Centre had taken the right step in advising his resignation.
Azo further suggested that once a new leadership is installed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should visit Manipur to foster peace and harmony, expressing hope that such a visit would help restore normalcy in the state.
Azo also advised the five NPF legislators in Manipur to refrain from lobbying for any individual and instead stand by the decision of the BJP central leadership on picking the chief minister.Azo also observed that the delayed leadership change in Manipur could help the BJP regain ground in the next elections. He admitted that without the change, the party’s chances of returning to power were slim.
Naga peace process: On the long-stalled Naga peace process, Azo backed WC/NNPGs working convener Isak Sumi’s statement that since all 60 MLAs in Nagaland were Nagas by blood, they should push for an early solution. He maintained that the legislators had done their best but acknowledged that the peace process had yet to yield results.
He blamed the lack of political will from both the Centre and the State for the current deadlock, adding that even the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) were on the same page regarding the issue.
Taxation: Calling for an end to multiple taxation, intimidation, and threats by NPGs, Azo remarked, “They (NPGs) are also Nagas by blood. If they truly love the Naga people, the era of extortion, threats, intimidation, and multiple taxation must come to an end.”
He warned that unchecked extortion by NPGs had crippled the Naga economy, stating, “Because of extortion, there is no development, no investors, and businesses are struggling. If this continues, we are headed toward civil war.”
Lamenting the existence of more than 20 NPG factions, he stressed that such divisions were destroying the very fabric of Naga society. Police recruitment controversy: On the ongoing police recruitment crisis in Nagaland, Azo noted that despite the High Court’s order for termination, the final decision rested with the state government.
He explained, “Every government servant is protected by law. Just because the High Court gave an order does not mean they are automatically terminated. They will remain in service until the government formally terminates them.”
Azo urged the cabinet to carefully deliberate on the issue before making a final decision, warning that if mishandled, the situation could spiral out of control. He also advised against any new recruitment until the current matter is resolved.
Liquor Prohibition: Azo reaffirmed his support for the strict implementation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, despite acknowledging that lifting prohibition would be more advantageous.
“In the Assembly, I supported the NLTP Act out of respect for the Church. Now, I don’t want to hurt their sentiments. Revenue should not be the deciding factor in lifting the ban,” he said.
He also backed Excise adviser Moatoshi Longkumer’s request for additional manpower to enforce the Act, calling for the creation of more posts.
Meanwhile, Azo, along with several legislators, is scheduled to inspect the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex on February 17 to assess the progress and reasons behind the delays. He stated that the contractor should clarify misconceptions surrounding the project.