The NPF is issuing this press release in response to the unwarranted and unsubstantiated statements of one Mr. Sevotso Seyie, PCC Member who is a defeated candidate in the last assembly elections. He was rejected by the people in such a manner that he lost the election by a landslide and record margin. This fact alone explains the nature and reputation of the person. The inaccuracy of his utterances means that he is frustrated and completely ignorant of the subject matter which he has harped upon or he is merely being used as a rubber stamp by his higher ups to make such periodical statements from time to time.
Though all the points which he has raised has already be sufficiently clarified by the NPF in the past on several occasions, the NPF further issue these clarifications in the interest of general public.
1. The NFF and DAN manifesto and common minimum programme has committed that we will tirelessly work for a negotiated solution to the decades old Indo-Naga political problem by playing the role of active facilitator. Never has any NPF leader or any document committed or stated that the NPF or DAN will bring a political solution within three months of being voted to power. This matter has been clarified by the NPF on several occasions yet the Congress repeatedly brings it up which is unbecoming of a responsible national party while also exposing thier attitude towards the intellect of the people. The Congress has continuously made this false allegation since their defeat of 2003 and Sevotso’s statement is just a repeat of the Congress’ wild imagination. Any person in his or her right frame of mind will understand that the Naga political issue cannot be resolved in a few months and the NPF and DAN has never given a three months time frame for solution. It is only a propaganda tool of the Congress and on this occasion Sevotso has been made to repeat the propaganda.
However it is a fact that the NPF led DAN is tirelessly working for the resolution of the political imbroglio and the several steps we have taken in the past nine years has positively contributed towards creation of a congenial atmosphere for the peace process. The achievement of relative peace and tranquillity in Nagaland is an acknowledged reality even by the Government of India and the security agencies and no one can deny that the situation in Nagaland today is much better than the times when the State was run by the Congress.
2. On the matter of Frontier Nagaland, the NPF led DAN Government does not want to go into details on what it has done for the uplifment of the backward areas and for the people belonging to these areas. If we are to list the steps and initiatives taken by the DAN Government, then it would be endless. The people are the best judge in comparing the action and concern of successive government in relation to approach and policy towards the backward districts.
The State Government is clear in its declared policy on the demand for a separate state by the ENPO and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly too has discusses this issue for three consecutive days where almost all Members of the House including ruling and opposition members, especially the 20 elected Members from the ENPO areas have expressed their feelings. The sense of the House has been accurately expressed and summed up by the Chief Minister within and outside the floor of the House. The Government of India has further acknowledged the discussions of the House and the Centre has supported the State’s Government’s stand on the issue while agreeing with the State Government that Nagaland must remain as one.
There is no substance, evidence or truth that the DAN Government has undermined the feelings of the people of the ENPO areas or for that matter there is no semblance of truth that the State Government has not taken the matter seriously. Cabinet discussions, deliberations with the civil society, Assembly discussions, interactions with elected Members, and dedicated meetings with the Government of India on this issue have been taken up in a relentless manner. The Government of the day is seized of the situation and mere allegations to gain mileage and brownie points or attempts to tarnish the image of political opponents hold no water nor can they convince the public.
3. On the issue of women’s reservation in the municipalities too, the issue has been appropriately discussed and debated in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and it has been unanimously resolved by both the ruling and opposition benches that the reservations would be kept in abeyance keeping in view the desire of the Naga civil societies and tribal organisations. The decision has been reached at in keeping with the sentiments of the people and the desire of the tribal hohos. Moreover the Nagas must keep in mind that Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India gives special status and protection to the Naga people and this status has been rightfully obtained through the blood, tears and sufferings of the Naga people and no section of the people can any time undermine the status of the Nagas for their narrow minded benefits. It is an undeniable fact that the State Government’s approach on women’s reservations is in accordance with the desire of the majority of Naga people which has been submitted to the appropriate authorities in black and white by Naga civil society and tribal organisations.
The baseless ramblings of a rejected person will not convince the people in any manner as truth will continue to prevail and no amount of repeated lies will have any impact on the people who cannot be taken for granted. Mere repetition of the same allegations only exposes the intellect and capability of the persons making the statements.
(Issued by NPF Press & Media Bureau)
