Naga political issue tops NPF poll agenda

Kohima, Feb 07 (UNI) Former Nagaland Chief Minister and leader of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Neiphiu Rio has said that the Naga political issue will be the Nagaland Peoples' Front's (NPF) top agenda in the March five Assembly elections in the state.

Speaking at a function at the NPF headquarters here yesterday, Mr Rio said the developments and achievements made by the DAN government during the past five years and imposition of the President's Rule by the Congress will also be included in the agenda.

He reiterated that the Naga political issue remained unresolved since the past six decades and it was not possible to set a particular time limit to resolve the issue.

He accused the Congress of forcefully imposing the President's Rule, which was ''proved undemocratic and unconstitutional when the Supreme Court rejected two writ petitions of the nine defected NPF and three Independent legislators, since the DAN is still enjoying majority in the 10th Legislative Assembly.'' NPF president and former minister Shurhozelie appealed to the different underground groups to consider the NPF's stand and bring in a peaceful atmosphere for the future of Nagaland.

He aslo assured that his party will continue to work towards the achievement of the goal for a political solution.

He also presented a long list of achievements of the DAN government during its five years of rule.

Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Members from Nagaland and several former ministers also spoke on the occasion.

Altogether 55 NPF tickets were issued for the 60-Member Assembly in the function.

UNI AS DPM SS1140