Kohima, January 16 (MexN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was optimistic that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) will open its account in the forthcoming polls to the Manipur Legislative Assembly where the party had fielded 12 candidates.
Rio, however said it is too premature to make any figure at this point of time. Taking to media persons here this morning, Rio said that he will visit all the four Naga districts of Manipur as part of the election campaign. He has already visited Senapati district and plans to visit the rest of the districts from January 19 to 21. Rio informed that the launching of NPF in Arunachal Pradesh will be done at an appropriate time. In Assam, he stated that the NPF was having alliance with indigenous people groups.
On the ongoing ceasefire and dialogue between the GoI and NSCN (IM), Rio said the state government did not know what was going on and to what extent they had confidence and respect for each other. He informed that when the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had sought the views of the state government over the NSCN (IM) collective leaderships proposed visit to Zunheboto, the state government after consultation with the Sumi Hoho had given the clearance to the MHA.
Rio, however, termed it as “unfortunate” on MHA not allowing the collective leaderships to visit Zunheboto. Rio said that with the unity and reconciliation process among the UG group taking place and consultation going on, their movement may not be restricted in this manner. “I am not questioning Government of India but it may not help the peace process if they are to do this,” Rio said. He stated that Government of India should understand and trust the Nagas and at the same time should know the history of the Nagas.
The Chief Minister pointed out that starting with the 16 points agreement clause 13 speaks about the integration and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed four resolutions unanimously for the integration of the Nagas. “This is the birthright of the Nagas,” Rio said .
