NPF press and media bureau has dismissed and condemned a report in the Hindustan Times headlined: “Neiphiu Rio eyes Delhi berth to push NSCN deal” which appeared on April 8. NPF revealed that the news filed by one Rahul Karmakar, claimed that NSCN (I-M) leader Isak Chishi Swu will contest from the assembly seat (11-Northern Angami-II) to be vacated by Rio. It said any sane person would understand that “such information is ridiculous, absurd and just not possible”. NPF said the journalist had also not quoted any source and therefore, condemned and rejected the contents.
NPF termed the report “so bizarre” that the only conclusion was that it was written “with a hidden agenda” and that the journalist was being used “by elements that are against the Naga people” and against the prevalence of peace and against achievement of a political solution. Further, it felt that “the timing of the report and the blatant lies” questioned the integrity of the journalist since he could have written the report to “serve the purpose of a hidden agenda”.
NPF asserted that the journalist “compromised his own reputation” or was completely unaware of the ground reality. It alluded that such reports spoke volumes of such media persons writing “ridiculous reports and opinions, without knowing the ground realities” in far flung parts of the country. Further, NPF also expressed surprised that a renowned and respected institution like the Hindustan Times could publish “such a bizarre news item” on a highly sensitive subject having national importance.
NPF pointed out that cease-fire and talks between government of India with Naga nationalist groups, came into existence since 1997, held at the highest levels. NPF said it was damaging to publish such an irresponsible report, containing immature opinion that were simply wild imaginations of the reporter.