Intensifying its attack on chief minister Neiphiu Rio over his purported statement to media that integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas was not possible, opposition NPF has accused him of “selling out” Nagas’ destiny by taking the side of Government of India (GoI) openly.
In a rejoinder, NPF Legislature Party spokesperson Imkong Imchen said by saying so, Rio has made his mind known to GoI and the Naga people without any reservation.
He said NPF is objecting to his statement as he is the chief minister, adding by making such open declaration in the media in the national capital, he has betrayed the Naga cause with clarity.
Imchen also likened Rio’s statement to Governor Pilate handing over Jesus Christ to a Jewish crowd and washing his hands in front of them, knowing full well that the crowd would crucify Him in a cruel manner.
Further, Imchen said the chief minister’s office (CMO) and Rio himself has not denied what he had stated about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
He had clearly stated that Art 371(A) of the Constitution of India has given enough protection and safeguard to the Naga people and therefore it is not necessary for him or his government to oppose the controversial Bill, Imchen stressed.
Referring to the controversial “Bedrock of Naga Society” over which Rio had resigned from the Congress ministry in 2002, Imchen regretted that same person was now championing controversial Bill “to please his masters in Delhi”.
He said NPF is of the firm opinion that Inner Line Permit (ILP) derived from the Bengal Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 should be uniformly imposed all over Nagaland, including Dimapur.
Imchen added that NPF has no objection to the decision of keeping Dimapur-I constituency “open” and the rest 59 constituencies reserved for the Nagas. But Dimapur should be included under ILP henceforth, he stressed.
Therefore, Imchen said “endorsing, accepting or supporting” the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Nagaland does not arise and shall be opposed bitterly regardless whether the BJP-led PDA government in Nagaland approves or endorses it.
He said NPF is raising this issue again as the chief minister has not responded to this issue.