After its formation, the executive of the nascent North East Regional Political Forum (NERPF) met at Niathu resort Friday to explore wider possibilities of effectively working together with an eye on the 2014 Lok Sabha election.\nBurning issues of boundary disputes between states like Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh with Assam and the tough stand adopted by the regional parties remain have remained at best unspoken. In addition, it was unlikely that rival parties would agree to a common candidates to contest the Lok Sabha election in 2014. Against such a backdrop and perhaps almost admitting that the task was not easy, NERPF convenor and Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said it was \u201cvery complicated\u201d.
\nAddressing media persons at Ruby Caf\u00e9, Niathu Resort, Rio (flanked by chief advisor NERPF and president AGP Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and NERPF co-convenor Atul Bora), said NERPF was formed to promote understanding among regional parties and also appreciate each other\u2019s problems. He stressed on \u201creconciliation and unity\u201d among regional parties as the only option for survival of the region adding, \u201cwhether we like it or not, we have to co-exist\u201d
\n When asked how regional political parties with contrasting ideologies and policies could work together, Rio said efforts were on to explore ways, so no conclusive decision has been made since they have been given a chance to work together.
\nRio also said it was too early to say as to how many seats NERPF would contest in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections since it (NERPF) was only a confederation of regional political parties coming together.
\nHe however disclosed that a committee has been formed with co-convenor NERPF Atul Bora as its convenor and comprising of representatives from member-parties of NERPF.
\nRio said the committee would supervise coordination and assistance among regional political parties in the Lok Sabha elections.
\nHe also said the committee would prepare a Common Minimum Programme apart from the 17-point resolution adopted in Guwahati, which would be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
\nRio said the recent bill tabled in the Rajya Sabha to transfer a portion of India\u2019s land that falls in a border to Bangladesh was also \u201cseriously\u201d discussed. He said the NERPF would fight \u201ctooth and nail\u201d against any bill that seeks to cede any portion of land to foreign countries.
\nThe NERPF Convenor also reminded that as per the 17-point resolution, NERPF has also taken up the issue of border demarcation in Manipur-Myanmar border.
\nWhen asked if NERPF would also take up the issue of portions of Naga territory now under Myanmar, Rio replied in the negative saying \u201c They have not taken our land; they have divided the Naga area- one portion in Myanmar and one portion in India union.\u201d He said it was a bigger issue that has to be addressed since the decision was made without the consent of the Nagas.
\nHe said the NPF government in Nagaland had raised the issue with both the government of India and Myanmar. Rio said after a long struggle, the constitution of Myanmar which was redrafted in 2008 recognized Nagas and subsequently, a Naga self administered zone was created though all Naga areas could not come under it. Rio also said it was learnt, that by 2015 general elections the area would be re-demarcated.
\nIn Friday\u2019s executive meeting, NERPF convenor said that it was decided in early part of 2014 NERPF delegates would be visiting the president, prime minister and government agencies to brief them on \u201cregional issues.\u201d
\nRio also expressed gratitude to members for electing him as the Convenor NERPF while admitting that it was not \u2018 a one-man job\u2019.
\nHe described Assam as the \u201cmother of all the states of the northeastern region\u201d, and that the \u201cbig brother\u201d NERPF should make the state \u201cvery strong\u201d. He said if NERPF was to survive, then Assam has to survive.
\nRio revealed that the NERPF at a closed-door meeting reemphasized and reiterated the 17 point resolutions and that the members had a \u201cgood discussion\u201d.<\/p>\n