Joint Legislators’ Forum didn’t fail in its role: CM

September 1, 2020 71 Views No Comment

Correspondent KOHIMA, AUG 31 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga issue has not failed in its role as facilitator in the ongoing Naga peace process.

In a brief interaction with a section of media persons at civil secretariat here, after a High Powered Committee(HPC) meeting, Rio however said that there were certain issues that could not be discussed with the media.

He claimed that JLF had deliberated on meeting with Central leaders in February, but did not have any policy on taking this forward. He said unless members were clear about what JLF was pursuing, such a meeting would have no meaning.

Rio also said though NPF blamed him for not meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and other Central leaders, the party should be understood that if a delegation from the forum was to meet them then there should be a clear-cut policy but “which was not coming out”.

On NPF withdrawing from JLF and forming its own committee, Rio refused to comment on it. He however stressed that it was a time to come together since there has to be “one Naga, one issue and one solution”. He said an appeal has been made to NPF to reconsider its decision but if it wanted to work separately, then he expressed the hope that it would give top priority to interests of the Nagas.

Rio disclosed that the PDA leaders plan to meet with home minister Amit Shah after his health improved, to hear what he has to say on the Naga issue.

He exuded confidence that all responsible elected members would work together in reaching a solution as it was high time a solution was found to the vexed Naga political issue and that the ruling coalition was all for it “whether JLF is together or not.”

NDPP’s appeal to NPF to rejoin JLF
DIMAPUR, AUG 31 (NPN): Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Monday said it was “indeed unfortunate” and “a shocking political development for entire Naga society” after the opposition NPF withdrew from the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF).

NDPP through its media & communication committee said the NPF’s decision was “even more surprising” considering the Government of India led by the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister had taken “proactive steps to resume the Indo-Naga political dialogue in right earnest.”

It also said the resumption of the peace talks has been welcomed by all sections and there was a fervent call for unity, understanding and oneness. While endorsing the resolution of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) to NPF to reconsider its decision, NDPP said it was also a time for Naga society to come together “to strengthen not just the negotiating parties but to empower ourselves with unity.” NDPP said it was not the time to be pointing fingers at others, finding fault or “making excuses to stay away” but for leaders of all sections of the Nagas to set aside differences and rise above respective affiliations in the greater interest of Naga people. NDPP reiterated that it would “not engage in one-upmanship” and reply to the allegations made against the chief minister and PDA over the JLF issue but reiterate the appeal to NPF to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the JLF.

The ruling party called upon all to work together in the spirit of one Naga family leaving no stone unturned in their collective endeavour to bring lasting peace and progress.

Further, it reminded that the present and future generations would “judge us for our decisions, our sacrifices and our contributions.”

Meanwhile, NDPP has also appealed to mass-based civil society groups, tribal hohos, NGOs, churches, political parties and all sections to make renewed efforts towards unity and work towards facilitation of a congenial environment for preparation of a positive landing ground that is conducive for the much expected political solution.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/joint-legislators-forum-didn-t-fail-in-its-role-cm/221268.html