|
Kohima, Oct. 9: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today reiterated its commitment to protect the territorial integrity of the state and continue working towards the realisation of integration of all the contiguous Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
The ruling NPF at its central executive council meeting today urged the Centre to accelerate the peace process so that a settlement that is “honourable and acceptable to the people” is brought at the earliest.
The party reiterated that it would pave the way for any alternative arrangement that would come about from the logical conclusion of the political negotiation.
It welcomed the initiatives of the Joint Legislators’ Forum, which consists of all the 60 MLAs and extended its appreciation to the lawmakers for meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other officials.
The NPF also extended support to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in its efforts to foster unity and understanding under a spirit of reconciliation among Naga insurgent groups.
Speaking at the meeting, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the party would continue to uphold its motto “by faith not arms” to protect the identity of Naga people and that it would also continue to play the role of an active facilitator to the Naga peace process with the Centre.
He attributed the current improved situation in the state to aggressive approach of his government towards the Naga peace process.
“We are committed to play an effective role as a facilitator,” he said.
The chief minister appreciated the Opposition Congress legislators for extending their support in forming a Joint Legislators’ Forum on the peace process.
Rio said the members of the forum would be leaving for Delhi to meet leaders of various political parties and have a detailed discussion with the officials at the Centre on the Naga issue.
Despite opposition from political parties and organisation in Arunachal Pradesh, Rio said the NPF was in touch with some “like-minded” parties there to form an alliance in the next state election.
NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu said coming together of 60 MLAs had never happened in the history of Nagaland.
Agriculture minister Chumben Murry said unlike the Congress, which has a perpetual leadership crisis, the NPF has full support of its leadership.
| 
