The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) held its first General Body meeting on Saturday, September 16 here at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima.
Delivering his Presidential speech, NDPP President Chingwang Konyak laid emphasis on the Naga political issue. “Just being a facilitator to the ongoing peace process is not enough. Many resolutions have been passed in the past and the last government have also tried running an opposition-less government to bring a solution,” said Konyak.
Konyak questioned whether the people of Nagaland should allow things to go like this with so many factions, collection, taxes and said “innocent people are suffering, we are suffering.”
If the idea of being facilitators is not working to bring about a early solution, viewed Konyak, then all the political parties should meet and discuss the next step to bring about an early settlement.
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Konyak was also of the opinion that the negotiating parties are not very serious to resolve the Naga issue. Despite the formation of many factions, Konyak regarded that they are not elected representatives of the people although the factions may be speaking for the Nagas in general.
Reiterating the political stand of NDPP, Konyak stated, “The Indo-Naga issue must be resolved through a negotiated political settlement and a solution that is honourable, acceptable and sustainable must be reached at the earliest possible. The NDPP assure that the party will not be mute spectator but will be pro-active and will do everything possible to strengthen the ongoing peace process and play the role of an active facilitator to bring early solution.”
“The Indo Naga Political continues to remain as the top priority,” said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reaffirming that his party NDPP stands firm on their commitment made to the electorates, and that it will continue to be active facilitators to bring solution.
This commitment, according to Rio, has brought all the political parties in the same platform to run an opposition-less government. Rio also suggested that the Political Affairs Committee should convene an All Political party meeting to deliberate on the Naga political issue. “Together we will be stronger and we will have much more meanings,” he said.
Despite NDPP completing six years old and having won the general elections two times alongside its alliance partner BJP, Rio noted that Nagaland is a “problematic state” and needs Central support since the State does not have its own resources. Rio, however pointed out, “Even if we have alliance with the Centre, our focus is- ‘Nagas comes first’.”
The importance of protecting, preserving and promoting the Naga identity, culture, and tradition was also stressed. Rio also affirmed on the Government’s efforts in working towards the upgradation of the Hornbill Festival and updated that his Government is already engaged in talks to include a state from the North East and one country as partners for the festival.
Lauding the policies and achievements of the Central Government, Rio mentioned that Nagaland is also benefitting from the policies of the Centre. Further, he encouraged the party workers to work towards strengthening of the party and reach out to the masses and inform them about the State government policies which the people can avail.
Earlier, NDPP President Chingwang Konyak released the General Election Report 2023 and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio released ‘The People’s Voice’ documentary
