DIMAPUR, July 2 - In the aftermath of reaction to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio�s statement on integration of Naga contiguous areas, the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has clarified that the CM had only stated what was conveyed to him and the State Government during a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and officials of the Government of India in New Delhi on June 13.
NSCN (IM) on Sunday termed Rio�s statement on Naga territorial integration as �irrational and irresponsible� and said it was nothing but a direct challenge to the Naga national cause. NDPP in a press release said Rio had clearly stated that the demand and desire of the Nagas for integration of all Naga contiguous areas is genuine.
On his interview to a section of the electronic media after meeting with Union Home Minister and Central officials in New Delhi on June 13, the NDPP said the transcripts of the television interview of the CM are available in the public domain for everyone to analyse.
The release further pointed out that Rio also stated that Centre had relayed that physical integration is not possible and that was the point of discussion at the meeting. This was relayed to the CM and his delegation by Centre, the NDPP stated and added, �therefore, they are not his personal views and neither the party�s views or the People�s Democratic Alliance Government�s views�.
In fact the statements were misinterpreted and sensationalised by sections of the media, the NDPP maintained. Rio is the leader of NDPP.
It was reported that Rio said integration of Naga contiguous areas spread in neighbouring States of Nagaland was not possible at this juncture.
NSCN (IM) in a release on Sunday asked who is Rio to barter the legitimate rights of the Nagas in the open market for personal glory. Whom is he trying to please by surrendering the history and the legitimate right of the Nagas, the outfit further asked.
According to NSCN (IM) such a �treacherous attempt� to enhance personal political ambition at the expense of the Nagas� right is a deliberate insult to the Naga people�s sentiment while asserting that the Nagas will stand ground to the last come what may.
�No individual or organisation is licensed to talk cheaply on the history of our people,� the NSCN (IM) added.
NDPP further said there is no validity or merit in the Opposition�s attempts to question the Chief Minister�s stand or integrity on the issue of Naga integration. It alleged the political adversaries have been targeting the Chief Minister on the issue of integration of Naga contiguous areas.
The ruling party further maintained that the statements of the Opposition Naga People�s Front do not contain any truth but are instead aimed at personally attacking the Chief Minister.
