Nagaland: NPF stands committed to early solution, not election: Azo Nienu

Co-chairman of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and leader of NPF party legislature, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu said NPF stood firm with its commitment for early solution to the Naga political issue and not election.
He said this while speaking at the general session of the Tenyimi Youth Organization Dimapur (TYOD) at Jotsoma Community Hall ‘A’ Khel Kuda village, here Saturday.
Azo’s remark comes against the backdrop of the joint announcement by NDPP and BJP of continuing with the 2018 seat sharing arrangement for the 2023 Assembly elections.
While congratulating NDPP and BJP, Azo reiterated that NPF will remain steadfast with its commitment for solution, even if elections were to be held.
Post elections, he said even if NPF wins absolute majority, the party would pursue an all-party government as there was a pressing need to settle the Naga issue, keeping in mind the commitment for an early solution.
Azo urged upon TYOD to remember that the sole and main intention in creating Tenyimi Union was to “protect the interests of Nagas in the Naga areas”.
He, however, cautioned the gathering not to encroach upon the interest of other tribes while protecting one’s own interest and thereby creating disunity and among Nagas.
Azo lamented that there were some leaders and legislators trying to provoke tribalism in the state. He said that their attitude portrayed their narrow mindedness and therefore, urged upon all leaders to be broad minded and think for the entire Naga community as a whole, including those outside Nagaland.
Responding to queries by media persons after the programme, Azo said that though NPF would want to contest all 60 seats in the event of an election, it would all depend on the party’s strength. Azo said NPF was still strong at the grass root level and was open to alliance with any political party.
“We don’t have any friends nor any enemy,” he added. While not denying that several parties had approached NFP for pre-poll alliance, Azo said it was premature to make any comment as the party would take the final call.
In his address, Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) president Vekhosayi Nyekha said Naga society was passing through crucial period and therefore urged upon all to be united.
He claimed that it was not only Government of India that was trying to divide the Nagas, but also some members within the Naga society.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Neitko Khasok and invocation offered by pastor Kuda Baptist Church Nikolie Nagi. TYOD president Thejangulie Angami delivered the presidential address while general secretary report was presented by Khrozote Kapfo.
Highlights of the programme included special number by Rongmei Youth Dimapur, folk song by Zeliang tribe.
A new team of TYOD office bearers were also inducted led by Khrozote Kapfo as president and Asungbe N Hau as general secretary.