Kohima, Nov. 25 : The Naga People’s Front, the main ally of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, (DAN), reiterated its stand on integration of Naga contiguous areas into one administrative unit.
The NPFat it central executive council meeting today said it was committed to support and work for the integration of all contiguous areas into one administrative unit.
“Integration is our birthright. No one can stop us from talking about it,” said Shurhozelie Liezietsu, the president of NPF and a senior minister in the DAN government.
He said Nagas had not antagonised anybody with their demand for integration of Naga-inhabited areas, which is also the demand of the Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah-led NSCN.
Ruing the statement of former Nagaland chief minister S.C. Jamir that the Centre had ruled out integration and sovereignty to settle the decades-old Naga political problem, the NPF president said some Naga leaders had been telling people that the Centre was saying no to the integration issue.
“I do not believe that the Centre will go back on its word and put pre-condition in the talks,” Liezietsu said.
The ceasefire agreement between the Centre and the NSCN was signed in 1997 without pre-conditions and that the talks would be held at the Prime Minister-level and outside India.
“I am reiterating our stand at a time when others, including some Naga leaders, are trying to suppress our own birthright. Decision is not ours at the moment but it is time for us to speak out to vindicate our stand,” he said.
Liezietsu said the NPF was committed to work and assist in any possible manner on any approach for a peaceful solution to the Naga political issue. At the same time it will endeavour to stand against any force to further divide the Nagas, he added.
Both the NPF president and chief minister Neiphiu Rio today appreciated the Opposition Congress’s decision to work together with the government to facilitate the ongoing Naga peace process.
The NPF also endorsed the November 18 meeting at Dimapur under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation where nearly 40 Naga organisations attended it and had called for a meeting of Naga militant factions at the highest level.
Liezietsu said coming together of factions would give an impetus to the peace process.
But he also cautioned that certain forces were actively working to disturb the hard-won peace in Nagaland.
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