Election or no election, party stands committed for resolution of Naga issue: Azo

KOHIMA, Jan 18 (NNN): Leader of Legislature Party of Naga People’s Front (NPF), Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu categorically said that with election or no election, his party’s top priority remains for the resolution of the Naga political issue. He also said that the “party stands committed” for the solution first and can make way for any new dispensation if required from the party.
Addressing the Phek Area Sports Association 33rd meet as special guest, the NPF leader said that had the central government been sincere enough in bringing the Naga issue to a logical conclusion before announcement of election, the NPF party and all the Nagas would be happy.
“But before any settlement is achieved and the election is announced, the party is well prepared with many exuberant candidates to contest the 2023 election,” Azo added.
He reminded the Nagas that the NPF joined the UDA government (of Nagaland) as an alliance partner only on the condition that collectively the whole party gives effort for an early settlement of the Naga political issue and not for any portfolio or power.
Azo Nienu also said that if the Election Commission of India announced elections contrary to the wishes of the Nagas for a solution.
“The NPF is ready to fight for the battle and asserted that the Nagas will stand with the NPF party and after the formation of the new government, the party with more vigour will pursue for inking the final solution to the long pending Naga political problem.
He also said that the NPF was optimistic that final settlement will reach before election and has been keeping silent for long “but God has blessed the party so much that many intending candidates including young dynamic leaders, intellectuals, women leaders and well placed senior leaders are approaching for the party tickets but the party is hesitant with the expectation of solution”. However, if at all NPF is to fight the election, it will issue the tickets only to the winnable candidates, Azo added.
The NPF leader also stated that many Nagas have forgotten their roots and a day might come when “we completely abolish our identity and culture as Nagas for the sake of power and thirst for money”. He reiterated that as long as the oldest regional political party (NPF) exists, it will protect and preserve the true identity of the Naga people, “as the party being the guardian of the Naga people”.
Azo then said that every Naga should come out from their comfort zones and give effort for the progress of the “regional NPF party” so that it can safeguard the identity and the aspiration of the Naga people.