CM Neiphiu Rio with legislators, political party officials, and Independent MLAs on September 18. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@Neiphiu_Rio)
Legislators reiterate stance on early solution
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 18
After much suspense and speculation, Nagaland legislators and political party leaders offered some clarity on the latest political development in the state during an all-party meeting at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima on Friday.
The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) and Independent members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously resolved to adopt the nomenclature of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the opposition-less government in Nagaland. It was earlier christened as Nagaland United Government.
Briefing media personnel after the meeting, Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs & Spokesperson Neiba Kronu confirmed on the nomenclature of the opposition-less government.
“The earlier nomenclature was okay, but few of our members, we feel that this is more appropriate to name it United Democratic Alliance,” Kronu said, adding that it would write to the Speaker for formation of the UDA in a day or two.
Responding to questions on whether there would be sharing of portfolios with the NPF, Kronu responded in negative stating, “Everything is in the prerogative of the Chief Minister and that we have not discussed.”
The Minister also stated that the members had a lengthy discussion, not only about the state politics but also national politics. Stating that the legislators “have come closer” as a result of the meeting, Kronu added that “after the visit of the Chief Minister and BJP leaders to Delhi, we couldn’t update our members on what is happening. We have brought them together and briefed them.”
On the protracted Naga political issue, Kronu reiterated the seriousness of the Core Committee and the members. He also informed that Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma who is also the convenor of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) will be coming to Dimapur on September 21 to meet the negotiating parties.
While stating that the members will try to meet the negotiating parties along with Sarma, Kronu said “His (Sarma) assignment is now at initial stage but he is well versed about our issues.”
Further, Kronu expressed confidence in former special director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Government of India’s representative Akshaya Kumar Mishra stating that, “He knows our issue; it is not new to him. Let’s hope for the best.”
Following the meeting, a joint statement appended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy CM Y Patton, Leader of Naga People’s Front Legislative Party TR Zeliang, NDPP President Chingwang Konyak, NPF General Secretary Achumbemo Kikon, BJP President Temjen Imna Along, and Independent MLA Tongpang Ozukum was also released.
The statement underscored that the parties have unanimously resolved to reiterate the joint resolutions that were signed on August 11 and 13 respectively.
Among others, the aforementioned joint resolution dated August 11, 2021 stated that all political parties “shall aim at promoting the Naga Peace Talks with positive approach in the greater interest of achieving peace, and to move forward under a positive environment that is conducive towards finding a political solution at the earliest time possible.”
The parties had also resolved to ensure unity of its members in the Legislative Assembly towards the issue, and to make all possible endeavours to achieve the objective, and impress upon the Government of India and all the negotiating parties to bring about solution to a logical conclusion at the earliest. The political parties had also resolved to stand together towards achieving the goal of “acceptable settlement.”
