Reacting to the news item carried out by IANS, published in the local dailies on the issue pertaining to the signing of the framework agreement, Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization (ENPO) general secretary Manlang Phom has said that the writer had misquoted him.
Manlang Phom, in a clarification said that the journalist, Rupesh Dutta, had called him on July 31 evening seeking opinion on the framework agreement. Manlang said he told Dutta that he “cannot comment anything on the issue” and made known that they had another issue on demand for separate frontier state, and being the general secretary he was working seriously on it.
He said he had mentioned that though it (framework agreement) was going to lapse one year after the signing— “we only hope and pray that solution comes to us which is acceptable to all concerned people”.
“Moreover, we are directed not to comment anything on any sensitive issue in good faith. But not as published in the dailies,” he said.
While respecting the rights and freedom of press, Manlang said it was unfortunate that a journalist at national level could stoop low by completely twisting the report/statement aggravating the situation.
As Nagas have been anxiously waiting for the outcome of the peace talk, he said freedom of speech or action does not guarantee any person to twist statements and confuse the citizens.
He further said that such erroneous report from a highly respected national level journalist was highly objectionable. “Rather we would also appreciate if Nagas are looked at the positive side and does not suppress with negativity,” he added.