PDA reiterates stand for early solution
With solution to the Naga political issue appearing imminent and with it various resolutions adopted by ruling party governments to “pave the way for any alternative arrangement that arises”, the ruling PDA coalition in Nagaland has reportedly been saved by an assurance from Union Home minister Amit Shah that the government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio would continue even in a post-solution scenario.
This was the reply by one legislator who attended the PDA meeting on October 28, when asked about reports that Amit Shah had recently conveyed to Nagaland chief minister, deputy chief minister, state BJP president to be prepared to pave way for any alternative arrangement that arises post solution.
According to highly placed political sources, this message was also conveyed to the cabinet when it met on Monday afternoon, that neither would there be any “interim government nor dissolution of the state assembly if solution to the Naga political issue is achieved”.
In order to ensure a peaceful environment during and after signing of an agreement for solution, the source said the cabinet was also apprised of the measures being undertaken by the state government.
PDA reiterates stand for early solution: Close on the heels of the demand by the WC of the NNPGs on the legislators of Nagaland to spell out their stand over the Naga political issue, the ruling PDA comprising of NDPP and BJP, deliberated on the ongoing talks for solution to the Naga political issue.
According to a communiqué issued by PDA, the meeting held on October 28, was convened by its convenor Chingwang Konyak (president NDPP) and Temjen Imna Along (president BJP).
The PDA resolved to renew the appeal for an early solution of the “Indo-Naga political issue, which should be inclusive, honourable and acceptable to the people.” PDA said the coalition has always maintained a “consistent stand all along on the Naga political issue” and “unlike others” has never gone back on collective decisions and policies. PDA also said it has always acknowledged the sentiments of the people and would continue to respect their wishes and desires whom it represents.
Further, PDA resolved to unanimously endorse to support an earlier resolution of the Joint Legislators Forum on August 7, 2019 on the Naga political issue.
Opposition NPF divided
In a significant revelation, one NPF legislator has said that several party MLAs were not on the same page with the NPF legislature party leader T.R. Zeliang and a few others, in insisting that the Naga flag and constitution should be included in any agreement for solution. The MLA was reacting to the message conveyed by an NPF delegation led by TR Zeliang that met Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi on October 5.