NPF to discuss political situation in ‘emergency’ meeting

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | July 24

An ‘emergency’ meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC) of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) will be held tomorrow at its central office in Kohima. This meeting has come as political pandemonium continues within the party.

Speculations are rife that tussle to take hold of the NPF between the supporters of TR Zeliang and Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu group is imminent. As of now the latter is still the president of the party.

Interestingly, chief minister TR Zeliang does not belong to any political party as of now as he was expelled from the NPF by its president the day the former was sworn-in as the chief minister on July 19

Meanwhile, the NPF has said today that its attention “has been drawn” to a news item which appeared in the local media wherein it was reported that a notice has been served to Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to vacate the official residence of the chief minister.

 “Indeed, a letter was received by the former chief minister (Dr Shurhozelie) this morning, but before he could even open the envelope to read the contents of the letter, it was reported widely on social media that TR Zeliang has already occupied the CM’s residence,” the NPF said in a statement.

The NPF also pointed out that the former chief minister had already moved out of the CM’s residence on Saturday, July 22 and there was a thanksgiving-cum-Homecoming function at his private residence at Ruleizou where party functionaries and well-wishers had a marathon meeting.

“This was widely reported in the local as well as national media. (And with the sole intention to let the department of Works & Housing check and ensure that government property was left intact with no damage or property missing, a reliable person remained at the residence to coordinate with the department.),” it added.

Since the above-mentioned meeting continued till 2 pm on Saturday, it was not possible for the party president to attend the Common Platform organised by the Bayavu Area Panchayat which was scheduled at 2 pm, the NPF statement said.

According to the statement, MLA Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu was asked to represent him in the said meeting. “And certain reports insinuating that he had wilfully avoided the Common Platform that day are erroneous and regretted since it could hurt the sentiments of the Bayavu Area Panchayat and residents of the area who took pains to organise such a platform with the aim of having a clean election,” it added.