Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu foresees a day may come when the unique identity of the Nagas and their faith could be destroyed by forces alien to the Naga people unless they stand firm, speak the truth and protect and preserve their identity and faith.
“During election, every political party, in order to woo voters, speaks and attacks other parties but the Naga people must realise that 2018 general election will be struggling to protect themselves from the onslaught of forces alien to the Naga people,” he said during the NPF election kick-off rally of Kropol Vitsu, the NPF candidate of 15th Southern Angami Assembly constituency, at Viswema under Kohima district on Wednesday.
“Naga people not to fall under any temptation, or be lured away, since it is our freedom to choose any political party or leaders, but 2018 general election is not just a contest between the political parties for formation of government, but it will be a contest between Naga people and forces from outside the state which are alien to the Naga ways of life,” Liezietsu reiterated.
Accusing the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leaders, the NPF president said “these Naga leaders, just for the sake of power and money, would soon land the Naga people into great trouble” and that “Nagas should not succumb to their trap but realise what the future holds for us if NDPP-BJP alliance forms the government in the Naga soil.”
“2018 election is not just politics but a moment for the Naga people to uphold the true spirit of being the Nagas. Though we play politics, we should not forget our roots and identity,” he stressed.
Reiterating that NPF was formed in the year 1964 “out of compulsion to safeguard and to protect the Naga people”, he said the party still upholds that principle.
He questioned which party stands and belongs to the Naga people and can really work for the Naga people, and asked every individual to use their wisdom and decide accordingly in the coming election.
He regretted that the 12th Nagaland Assembly saw political crisis one after another due to some corrupt leaders and hence “development in the state could not take place to the expectation of the people” but expressed satisfaction that the NPF has identified those corrupt leaders and they were denied party tickets.
“I am happy that only committed, fresh and capable leaders were issued the party tickets,” he said adding that “those corrupt leaders have flocked together to either NDPP or BJP.”
The NPF chief exuded confidence that the Naga people will vote for the NPF to form the next government.
During the kick-off rally, NPF candidate Kropol said NPF is the only party which can work for the constituency and the state. He, therefore, urged them to vote for him and bring changes to the society.