NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu has cautioned the people of Nagaland that their unique identity and faith could be destroyed by forces alien to the Naga people unless they stood firm, spoke the truth and protected and preserved their identity and faith.
Addressing an election rally at Viswema on Wednesday in support of NPF candidate from Er. Kropol Vitsu, he said every political party tried to woo voters during elections with impressive speeches and by attacking other parties. But, the Naga people should realise that the ensuing Assembly elections were about protecting themselves from the “onslaught of forces alien” to them, he added.
Urging Nagas not to fall to any temptation or be lured since it was “our freedom” to choose a political party or leaders, Liezietsu stressed that the ensuing election was not just a contest among political parties for formation of a government, but a contest between the Naga people and forces from outside the State that were alien to the Nagas’ way of life.
Blasting NDPP leaders, the NPF president warned that these Naga leaders would “soon land the Naga people into great trouble just for the sake of power and money”.
He appealed to the people not to fall into their trap and think about their future if NDPP-BJP alliance formed the next government on Naga soil.
“2018 election is not just about politics but a moment for the Naga people to uphold their true spirit as Nagas. Though we play politics, we should not forget our roots and identity,” he added.
Reiterating that NPF was formed in the year 1964 “out of compulsion to safeguard and protect the Naga people”, he said the party still upheld that principle.
He questioned which party stood for, and belonged to, the Naga people and would really work for them. He urged every individual to use his or her wisdom while voting.
Liezietsu regretted that the outgoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly witnessed one political crisis after another due to some corrupt leaders and hence development in the State could not take place as per the “expectations of the people”. But he expressed satisfaction that NPF had identified the corrupt leaders and were denied party tickets.
“I am happy that only committed, fresh and capable leaders were issued party tickets,” he said adding “those corrupt leaders have flocked together either to NDPP or BJP.”
The NPF president exuded confidence that the Naga people would vote for his party to form the next government.
In his speech, NPF candidate Kropol asserted his was the only party that could work for development of the constituency and the State and therefore urged the voters to elect him.
NPF Kohima division youth wing president, Mhashemeyie Neikha, NPF Kohima division president Gonei-u Serie and central women wing’s working president Khriezobeinuo Sanchu also spoke on the occasion. This was stated in a press release issued by the party.
Choose the right leader: Azo’s appeal to voters
Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 21 (NPN): Nagaland home minister, Kuzholuzou (Azo) Nienu, urged voters to choose the right party and leader by exercising the adult franchise freely and fairly.
He was addressing a gathering at the election rally for 9th Kohima town NPF candidate, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (Dr. Ato) at Lower Agri Ward Council Hall, Kohima on Wednesday. Azo expressed confidence that the NPF alone would cross magic number of 34 MLAs and would form the next government after consideration of alliance parties.
Azo strongly appealed to the voters to not sell or buy votes as it amounted to selling of one’s right. He also reminded the gathering of the power of the vote which shapes the future for the better or for the worst. He also appealed to the gathering to vote for Dr. Ato to see Ato’s dream and vision implemented in reality for the people.
Azo said the state needed committed politicians who would work on the ground to bring change.
Dr. Ato, in his address, said he joined politics with a vision to work for the upliftment of the common people and with the wish to see the government run with the participation of the common people and not by a privileged few.
Dr. Ato assured the gathering that he would be an exemplary MLA working for the welfare of the people if elected and he urged the people to vote for him to see honest and transparent change.
The programme was chaired by Lower Agri Ward Council chairman, Kemvu Koza, LAWWU president, Nodukrole Chuse said the invocation prayer, vote of thanks was proposed by LAYO president, Nzanbemo Khuvung and the closing prayer was offered by LAWC vice chairman, Temjen Ozukum.
Sunday, May 3, 2026