SC Jamir lambasted by Naga People's Front (NPF)
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 09, 2012: The Naga People's Front (NPF) has lambasted former Nagaland chief minister Dr SC Jamir for the ails in Nagaland.

NPF president Dr Shurhozelie in Kohima today that because of the design of Dr SC Jamir the process of corruption began.

The NPF said the party has been compelled to say this in view of the statements made by Congressman Dr.SC Jamir in a students' function and had appeared in local media on February 3. "Though the NPF is reluctant to get into any public paper war with the senior leader, it has become imperative to point out to the general public, the real truth in relation to the statements he has made.

He has stated that "this is not the Nagaland we dreamt of" while reminding ridiculously that he "is is the only living founding member of the State of Nagaland".

He made several statements wherein he has portrayed everybody else as demons whereas he is the only angel but unfortunately for him he could not be further from the truth," Dr Shurhozelie said.

He said Dr.SC Jamir was one of the signatories of the 16 Points Agreement which brought statehood to Nagaland and also the longest serving chief minister of the State while also being a member of parliament in Delhi.

"As we all know, the 16 Points Agreement was signed without taking the mandate of the undivided undergrounds and national workers in such a hurry that many issues are still unresolved till today including the inclusion of all Nagas under one administrative umbrella.

Subsequently, over the years till today, SC Jamir and his immediate family members have benefitted the maximum by enjoying and occupying every chair of power and position that Statehood brought to Nagaland," the NPF chief said.

The NPF question, "Was it not under the leadership of SC Jamir that the dreams of Naga people got shattered time and again?" According to the NPF, it was under his design that the process of electioneering was corrupted as he used muscle, money and gun power to suppress the voice of the people by not allowing democratic elections wherever he contested and also spread this strategy everywhere he went.

It was he who first used and still continues to use armed elements for elections.

It was under his rule that Naga civil society was divided on tribal and district lines.

The NPF alleges that it was under his rule that entire Naga civil society went against the State Government by going to the extent of boycotting his government.

It was he who sidelined the undergrounds and it was during his time that army and military operations were launched against Naga brothers and sisters instead of bring them towards negotiation and reconciliation.

It was he who patronised different underground groups and created more divisions and killings.

It was under his rule that law and order completely failed as the overall situation became unsafe for people to conduct their daily lives.

He himself could not move out of his protected homes unless in bullet and explosion proof cars.

It was under his rule that corruption became institutionalised as exemplified by the more than thousands of crores Nagaland lottery scam.

It was under his rule that the youth began losing hope and inspiration.

Because of such corruption, the Government of India decided to do away with the special provisions of wiping off the State's deficit through the Consolidated Fund of India and not a voice was raised by that government of the day when this decision was taken by Delhi.

It was his rule that introduced family regime and the alien culture of dynastic politics as his immediate family and children were put into positions of power and he took Nagaland into an era of one family rule.

These are just a few indicators of Dr.SC Jamir's rule of Nagaland.

"It was such a rule that ensured his crushing defeat in the bye-elections of Aonglengden where he tried to fool everybody by telling the people that he is contesting due to the pressure of the Congress high command, whereas he told the high command that the people are pressuring him to contest," Dr Shurhozelie alleged.

In the context of the role that Dr.SC jamir has played in Nagaland ever since inception of Statehood, he is the last person who should say "this is not the Nagaland we dreamt of".

He has no moral authority to make such a statement but rather should take responsibility for the wrongs that are prevalent in our society.

He will do well to understand that people living in glass houses should not throw stones at others, the NPF stated.

"He will also do well to understand and accept the fact that there is an air of positivity in the Nagaland of today.

Our State enjoys a more positive and welcoming image to the outside world far from the image Nagaland had during Jamir's rule.

Naga youth are striving towards their goals and ambitions and achieving the highest standards not just at the national level but we are making a mark even at international levels.

While it is admitted that there is still a lot to be done and a long way to go, the Nagaland of today is very different from the tumultuous Nagaland of Jamir's time.

He is no angel to speak of others, rather he is the architect who has sown the seeds of division due to his thirst for power which is exposed even till today.

The author of the booklet, "Bedrock of Naga Society" leaves behind a legacy that will haunt him forever," NPF chief Dr Shurhozelie stated.

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