Joint Legislators Forum resolves to pave way for alternative arrangement
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Dimapur, July 20 2012:
In a significant move, Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) of Nagaland Legislative Assembly Thursday resolved to pave way for an 'Alternative Arrangement' and step aside from present positions in the event of a logical conclusion to the ongoing Naga peace process.
The forum has also urged the underground groups to "rise above" all differences so that a collective effort was made to bring the political imbroglio to a logical end.
The decision was part of four-point resolutions adopted at the JLF meeting held Thursday in Kohima and was endorsed by the chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF president Dr.Sh�rhozelie, NLA speaker Keyanilie Peseyie, leader of opposition Tokheho Yepthomi and NPCC president S.I Jamir.
Appealing to the negotiating parties, particularly the Government of India to expedite the dialogue process so that an honourable settlement was arrived at, JLF representing the sixty-member Legislative Assembly said that they have come together cutting across party lines for the "greater interests" of the Naga society responding to the "cry of the people" and worked collectively in facilitating the peace process.
The JLF resolution also lauded the civil societies, Church, NGOs and mass based organizations for their "tireless efforts" towards forging understanding and reconciliation amongst all sections of Naga society under the banner of Forum for Naga Reconciliation and said that they carried the voice of the people who were longing for peace and solution to the "Indo-Naga" political problem.
Appreciating the underground groups for making "sacrifices" in the Naga political movement and for responding to the call of the people for reconciliation by signing the "Covenant of Reconciliation" and the "Naga Concordant", JLF appealed to them to adhere to the spirit of reconciliation and understanding and to stand by the commitment given to the Naga people.
The JLF resolutions followed reports of Neiphiu Rio as offering to step down form office for peace and stability to return to the state.
The report said Rio had communicated the proposal at a closed door meeting held with prime minister Dr.Manmohan Singh on June 27 last.
Rio had made the offer in view of feedbacks from the Centre which resolved to bring about a solution to the Naga political issue by the end of the year and before the Assembly elections scheduled for March, 2013 .
JLF also formed a joint team comprising members of the Legislative Assembly from both the ruling and opposition benches and meet the negotiation parties � the government of India and underground groups � and also with different political parties in order to carry the voice of the House.
NLA speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie who is also the convenor for JLF, listed out 17 names of the joint team that includes-- chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NLA speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, leader of the opposition Tokheho Yepthomi, NPF president Dr.Sh�rhozelie, NPCC president S.I Jamir, home minister Imkong L.Imchen, MLA Chingwang Konyak, MLA H.Chuba, MLA I.Imkong, minister T.R.Zeliang, minister M.C.Konyak, minister Chumben Murry, minister Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, minister G.Kaito Aye, minister P.Longon, Lok Sabha MP C.M.Chang and Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi.