'Integration of Naga contiguous area is not possible' : Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio
NPF reaction

14 June 2018 :

The Naga People’s Front flabbergasted and outrightly rejected the controversial and contradictory statement of the PDA Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio that appeared in Media on 12th June 2018 on the issue of Naga integration and Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016.

The NPF expressed amused to see Rio statement clearly stating that the integration of the Naga contiguous area is not possible. His statement has infact shocked the Naga people in entirety, specially, because of his being the incumbent Chief Minister.

It may be recalled that Neiphiu Rio has resigned from the Congress Ministry in 2002 opposing the publication of the booklet, “Bedrock of Naga Society” published by the NPCC. The Naga people at that point of time appreciated the stand of Rio and consequent upon which he was voted to power in 2003.

The NPF would like to remind that Neiphiu Rio was very much part and parcel of the NPF for the last 15 years and its NPF government and till the other day, Rio as the then NPF leader believe that the integration of the Nagas is the birth right of the Naga people and there is no room for compromise to this principle stand.

The NPF failed to understand why and how Rio has changed his political principle overnight, which he stood very dearly till the other day.

The integration of the Naga contiguous area was also important component of the 16th Point Agreement para (13) and Constitution of India Article 371 (A) Clause-IV even though in Clause 13 of the 16th Point Agreement.

It may be mentioned that the Naga People Convention (NPC) have demanded for integration of Nagas living inhabiting in contiguous areas should be allowed to join the new Nagaland state. To this the Government of India has referred the matter to the Constitution, Article 3 & 4. At that point of time, the Government of India has not openly rejected the demand for Naga integration but rather agreed in principle with the NPC.

Earlier, Rio who was barking the Naga integration as the birth right of the Nagas has changed his political principal overnight just for the sake of his chair at the expense of the Nagas.

The NPF since its inception has been advocating the desire of the Naga people to live under one administrative umbrella and during the last 15 years of NPF government, the Assembly had passed resolution on 5 occasions in support of integration of the Naga inhabited Naga areas.

However, Rio the incumbent Chief Minister of Nagaland recent statement declaring that Naga integration is not possible has come as a big blow to the Naga people and particularly when the Naga political talk is passing through a very critical stage.

So, it is a known fact, the Chief Minister has openly shattered the aspiration of the long-cherished demand of the Naga people to live as one.

The NPF is also shocked to see that the Chief Minister has openly declared that he supports the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. In his statement, Rio has stated that Nagas are having enough protection and safeguard under Article 371 (A). Therefore, his PDA Government will not oppose the Bill. Perhaps, he is one the Chief Minister who has come out openly in support of the Bill.

The NPF would also like to remind that the Naga people is fighting and voicing out for the strict enforcement of the Inner Line Permit and introduction of the ILP in whole over the state including Dimapur.

Despite of ILP and article 371 (A) Nagaland has become the most vulnerable state for the illegal immigrants, Rio support to the Bill will totally compromised the future of the Naga people.

The NPF understand Rio’s obedient and loyalty towards the BJP through which his Chief Ministership can be protected by selling out the future of the Naga people at the expense of his selfish benefit.

Nevertheless, the NPF will solicit the patriotic opinion and support the Naga people, specially on these two pertinent issues so as to safeguard the Naga future.

Taking all this into account, the NPF is of the view that under Neiphiu Rio, the future of the Nagas is no longer safe.

Issued by:
Press Bureau
Naga People’s Front,
Central Headquarter,
Kohima, Nagaland.