Former chief minister and NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu maintained that the NPF party had no ownership over the people as it belonged to them, even as he reiterated that the party’s top priority was to stand for the cause of Naga people and their welfare.
Addressing a one-day seminar organised by NPF Phek division at Pfutsero multi-purpose hall on the theme “Regional Principle and Ideology” on Saturday, the NPF president said many regional political parties came into being and perished in the State as these were formed only to contest elections and for occupying power and make money. But, he pointed out that, NPF came into being to save the Naga people and that it would remain so till the Naga political problem was resolved.
He reiterated that NPF would always stand for the Naga political issue and preservation of the Naga people’s identity.
Maintaining that many Naga leaders had gone astray and hopped from one political party to another for the love of money and power, Shürhozelie said a true leader identifying with Naga nationalism would always remain faithful to NPF.
The veteran leader pointed out that many regional political parties failed to sustain itself in the State in the past due to lack of clear principles and ideology, adding that even NDPP, which was now in the ruling coalition, would also soon vanish.
“God loves the Naga people, but we are blinded by money and power,” he said and called upon NPF leaders to stand firm and be committed to the cause of Naga people and their welfare.
He also encouraged party workers by stating that in politics there were ups and downs, but being Naga leaders they must stand firm to their principles as God stood only with truth.
Speaking as the resource person at the mammoth gathering, NPF secretary general and Nagaland’s lone Rajya Sabha member KG Kenye reminded everyone that the principle and political stand of NPF, which was the second oldest regional political party in the country, had remained the same since its inception. He too reiterated that the party’s top most priority was resolution of the Naga political issue, besides maintaining and protecting the identity of the Naga people.
Kenye warned that anything could happen anytime to the Naga people. “So unless we protect and preserve our identity, we may be easily captured and penetrated by the outside force,” he cautioned.
Also predicting that the NDPP would vanish one day like other regional political parties, the MP alleged that the ruling party was just a by-product of NPF. He remarked that NDPP was just a resting shed for many political leaders.
Also speaking as resource person, former minister and NPF president adviser Thenucho told the party workers that NPF was the only party that could uphold the identity of Naga people.
He explained that as NPF came into being purely for the welfare of Naga people, party leaders should remain committed to the party and not shift their loyalties towards other political parties as “rolling stone gathers no moss.”
In his welcome address, former minister and legislator Yitachu said the main principle and ideology of NPF was to preserve and protect the Naga people’s identity from the outside world.
Maintaining that NPF represented the character, and was a reflection, of the Naga people, Yitachu called upon party workers to carry forward the true spirit of regionalism to the Naga people.
The one-day seminar was chaired by NPF Phek division president Chivotso Nienu and vote of thanks was delivered by MLA Kezhienyi Khalo.
Host of central party leaders, including MLA Keneizakho Nakhro, also attended the seminar.
Meanwhile, NPF Phek division also resolved during the seminar to continue to firmly support the leadership of Shürhozelie and TR Zeliang.
It also strongly re-affirmed and resolved to continue to strive and uphold the regional principle and ideology of the party in letter and spirit and take the message to the citizens of the State.
The party also resolved to endorse its fullest co-operation and continue support to strengthen the leadership of NPF Phek division legislators. This was stated in a press release issued by NPF’s press bureau.