NPF to field candidate for Speaker’s post
Newly appointed NPF Secretary General, Achumbemo Kikon addressing a press conference at the Naga People’s Front Office, Kohima on February 3. (Morung Photo)
To move anti-CAA resolution in upcoming Assembly session
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 3
Newly appointed NPF Secretary General, Achumbemo Kikon today announced that his party would field a candidate to contest for the post of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker, election for which is scheduled on February 7.
Addressing a press conference in Kohima today, Kikon said that the decision was arrived at during a meeting with the Naga People's Front (NPF) Legislature wing on February 1.
“A whip has already been issued. Hopefully our MLAs including our seven friends who are presently under suspension, who are bound by the Party Whip, will abide by the Whip which has been issued," stated Kikon.
On that the disqualification case against the seven NPF MLAs, Kikon said that the case is still pending in the Speaker's court. While it is a suitable case for the party to approach the High Court or Supreme Court to give directive to the Speaker, Kikon noted that the case will be put on hold for the time being till the Assembly proceedings get over.
On the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the NPF Secretary General stated that the NPF MLAs will be putting up a fierce argument against the CAA and move a resolution for withdrawal of the Act in Nagaland. During the Assembly sessions, the party will also be expressing resentment against the Act by organizing protests, he added.
"If you see the present form of CAA it is purely based on religion. It is discriminatory too and dividing people further on religious lines," said Kikon.
On controversy over Deputy CM's speech
On the Deputy CM's current speech controversy, Kikon said, "It is unfortunate actually for a person of his stature landing up in controversies not only this time but on several other occasions. He must remember that he is holding a post of responsibility; this is something that needs to be taken very seriously. One cannot comment whatever comes to his mind as and when he likes. He has to be careful of his utterances," he stated.
With regard to the clarification made by the LSU and the Deputy CM on the matter, Kikon stated that the clarifications "need to be examined and considered.”
"One can only express one's intention. We only hope that a person of his stature in the capacity of Deputy CM clarifies and hopefully it's the truth," he said.
On different yardstick of punishment against Kenye, Lorho
Meanwhile the NPF Secretary General also clarified on the party’s move to suspend Rajya Sabha MP, KG Kenye over his vote in favour of the CAA while opting not to suspend the party’s MP from Manipur, Dr Lorho S Pfoze who also voted in favour of the Act.
Reading out Lohro's response to the show cause notice, Kikon pointed out that the former was made to understand that Kenye, who was then the party’s Secretary General, was in touch with the NPF president on the contentious bill.
“"In other words, Dr Lorho was misled. The same yardstick of punishment, the same degree of punishment cannot be given to the one who has been misled, and the one who misled. We used two different yardsticks," Kikon said, adding the Dr Loho had expressed regret.
"What the party decided is fair and just. In the party's Constitution, there are four types of punishment: Warning, suspension, removal from post or expulsion. We have given a very stern warning to Dr Lohro. One may wonder why Kenye was removed from his post and suspended at the same time. In a proper interpretation of the Constitution of the party, if you are voluntarily resigning, party cannot take into cognizance that it falls within that punishment. In the case of Kenye, he had voluntarily resigned during the press conference held on December 20," informed Kikon.
