Nagaland Supongmeren questions intent of NDPP- NPF merger

Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP and Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president, S. Supongmeren Jamir, has questioned the intent behind the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with Naga People’s Front (NPF).
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an event here Saturday, NPCC chief expressed doubts over whether the two regional parties, despite their differing mottos, would be able to deliver justice to the people.
Jamir said the claim for merger was to “bring Naga solution”, but now the merged entity must prove its intent through action.
“The merger of the two regional parties and their two mottos in one basket, I feel they will face problems also,” he maintained.
On the issue of Naga political solution, MP accused the government of India of having failed to bring about final resolution even when there was only one solution. He urged the government of India to deliver the solution without further delay.
Questioning the motive behind formation of an opposition-less government in the state, the Lok Sabha MP asked whether it was genuinely intended to bring about Naga solution, or simply to gain political advantage.
Supongmeren Jamir said he was “not surprised” at the mushrooming of Naga political groups as such developments would continue if the Centre continued to neglect the Naga issue.
“The creation of new political groups is because they are fighting for the Naga solution, and no one can stop it,” he added.
MP maintained that the only way forward was for the opposition-less government to act sincerely.
Asked about poor road conditions, particularly along Dimapur-Kohima stretch, Jamir said that the State government was the responsible guardian for all developmental activities, and therefore urged the state government to take up better policies and provide clear guidance for the execution of projects.
Dismissing claims of fund shortage, he asserted that sufficient funds were available for National Highway construction projects, including maintenance and repair works related to landslides or mudslides, which were covered under contractors’ insurance.
He also emphasized the need for proper compensation to landowners affected by developmental works. “There is no problem of funds. Only the public continues to suffer,” Jamir said.
On the issue of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), Jamir said that when he raised the matter in Parliament, the tripartite talks had not yet commenced. He, however, acknowledged that the process has since begun.
Regarding the upgradation of Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) into a world-class facility, the MP said the district administration was actively pursuing the matter. He also said that the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) had identified 92 locations inside the periphery of Dimapur railway station requiring eviction for developmental purposes.
He stated that it was the duty of the State government to expedite the process and ensure immediate clearance of land encroachments.
Asked whether the Congress party in the state would be contesting all 60 Assembly Constituencies in the next state election, he expressed confidence that Nagas vote for Congress as it was a secular party.