Dimapur: The Naga Peoples Front (NPF) has sought an explanation from Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio for his statement that "integration" of Naga-inhabited areas "is not possible anymore".
In a release on Thursday night, the NPF said the chief minister blamed the media for misquoting his statement as an excuse to escape the "glaring eyes" of the public.
Rio on Wednesday issued a statement to clear the air over his comments on integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. He said he conveyed what was told to a delegation led by him during a meeting with home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on June 12. Rio also clarified these were not his personal views nor of the NDPP or his government.
Appreciating the chief minister for admitting that the demand for integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas was genuine, the NPF, however, asked why Rio had to "demean himself so low... to succumb to external forces thereby compromising the future of the Nagas".
"The Naga public has every right to question the chief minister under what circumstances or obligation the PDA (People's Democratic Alliance) government has bargained with the Centre the long-cherished dream of Naga people," the NPF said.
The NPF also expressed dismay that the Rio government had not opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, though it had caused an uproar in Assam and the rest of the country. It said the Naga people want to know on what ground his government will not oppose the bill that has caused an uproar in the country.
Demand: Seven organisations of eastern Nagaland have reiterated their demand for a separate state of "Frontier Nagaland".
Reaffirming their August 24, 2012, resolution where they said the demand for a separate state was "uncompromising", the organisations resolved at a July 3 meeting in Mon that no other arrangement would be acceptable to the people of eastern Nagaland.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Chang Khulei Setshang, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Konyak Union, Phom Peoples' Council, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Yimchunger Tribal Council, Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) and Eastern Naga Students' Federation.
A joint statement signed by the presidents of the organisations on Friday said that "in the process of any eventuality that may appear to be detrimental to the movement of any individual/organisations or the safety of the ENPO, tribal and frontal organisation leaders is threatened in any manner over the demand, the public of eastern Nagaland shall initiate stern action as deemed fit."
The meeting also unanimously affirmed that people of eastern Nagaland were peace-loving. They said an words spoken and any statement issued in the interest of peace should not be misconstrued by any individual or organisation.
