Naga People's Front to review its decision to severe ties with BJP

GUWAHATI: The decision-making central working committee of the ruling Naga People’s Front will soon decide on whether it could review its earlier resolution snapping ties with BJP after holding it responsible for the political instability in the state when the Shurhozelie Liezietsu-led government was ousted by then dissidents led by present chief minister TR Zeliang in July last year.
The restoration of the friendship is crucial for both parties ahead of the upcoming assembly election. While BJP is looking to spreading its wings in the northeast and oust the Congress completely from the region while continuing with the tried and tested collaboration with NPF under called Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) since 2003, NPF leadership is aware of several rival parties lurking near to join hands with the saffron party.
The association between the two parties dates back to 1977, the oldest in the entire northeastern region.
Party president Liezietsu told TOI from Kohima on Wednesday, “on July 18 last year, the CEC had decided to severe ties with BJP. On that day my government was unconstitutionally dismissed by the governor. So it was more or less an emotional decision.”
“The July decision still stands. Even as the party president, I can’t comment on the future of the ties because this matter has to go back to the CEC, even if you were to review the decision,” Liezietsu said.
He added that at a meeting of central office bearers of the party on January 15, there were some queries from party men whether the July decision could be reviewed. “The matter was discussed and concluded that since the subject matter was beyond the brief or power of the central office bearers to discuss, the same should go to CEC again and, for that reason, the President was empowered to convene CEC meeting at the earliest convenient time to discuss the matter.”
As per the NPF statement, the COB meeting on Monday also endorses the decision of the party president revoking all suspension and expulsion orders of the NPF workers and office bearers of the divisional and area units and restoring their primary and active membership with effect from January 12. The meeting also urged all party rank and file to bury the past differences and unite in the true spirit of reconciliation and strive for the betterment of the party at all levels and the Naga society.