The suspension of Neiphiu Rio from the NPF is nothing short of shocking. It is indeed ironical that the very person who was revived from political wilderness and given blood infusion to make a comeback in state politics by Neiphiu Rio signed the suspension papers.
The press and media bureau or the youth from whose shoulder the old man if firing from must understand that Neiphiu Rio is indeed one of the founder members of the NPF. The Nagaland People’s Front was formed in 2002 after the erstwhile NPC became defunct without even a single member in the assembly. The election symbol of cock for NPF was also frozen by the Election Commission of India as it had failed to contest elections and its vote share became negligible. It was only in 2002 that the NPF was formed and only after the 2003 assembly elections that the party could reclaim its symbol permanently.
Subsequently under the leadership of Rio, the NPF won consecutive elections in record manner in three Lok Sabha elections, two more assembly elections and two Rajya Sabha elections. It was also under his leadership, that the Nagaland People’s Front was rechristened as Naga People’s Front to represent the aspirations of all Nagas. The party extended its presence to Manipur, Arunachal and pursued Naga rights beyond international boundaries.
These facts cannot be questioned by anybody. It was under Rio that the NPF won three consecutive elections in Nagaland, had representation in both Houses of Parliament and even in the Manipur Assembly. He took the NPF to heights which the older lot of the party never imagined even in their wildest dreams. In fact, one can question what are the contributions of Dr. Shurhozelie to even Kohima district leave alone Nagaland.
This is a case of the snake biting the hand that feeds it. The manner in which Mr. Rio has been treated by the NPF leadership is nothing short of betrayal and back stabbing. The trust of Mr. Rio has been misused for personal gains, vindictiveness and treachery. However, Mr. Rio need not fear.
The Naga people across the Naga homeland are solidly behind the leadership of Mr. Rio and it is only a matter of time before the truth is revealed and the reality dawns upon the betrayers.
Dzesevi Rupreo Thinuoneio Sote Roukoutoulie
