Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Jan 15 – The NPF, BJP and JD (U) have decided to continue the pre-poll alliance and fight the forthcoming Assembly election in Nagaland on a common agenda. The three parties fought the last Assembly election in the State held in 2008 as alliance partners.Announcing the decision at a joint press conference here this evening, the leaders of the three parties said they have resolved to continue the pre-poll alliance under the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) for the ensuing general election to Nagaland Assembly.
While keeping the door open for other like-minded parties to join the alliance, a joint statement of the three parties said the DAN will have a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) and collectively contest the election to ensure continuation of a people friendly government that will work towards accelerated development and progress of Nagaland.
The joint statement said, the three parties decided to contest the election as alliance to facilitate the peace process in order to usher in lasting and permanent peace in the State.
It further said the DAN will welcome any like-minded party who share its vision and political stand.
The joint statement was signed by BJP election incharge of Nagaland PB Acharya, JD (U) National general secretary AK Srivastava, NPF secretary general KG Kenye, BJP National general secretary Tapir Gao, JD (U) Nagaland president Mhonjan Lotha and NPF Core Committee member Abu Metha.
Speaking at the press conference, BJP leader Gao said the three parties have decided to have a CMP and a common agenda for the ensuing election for the cause of the State. “This is another beginning for DAN,” he stated.
NPF secretary general Kenye said the BJP and NPF share a common vision as far as unique Naga history is concerned while adding that the JD (U) also shares the same concern.
On the ENPO demand for a separate State, Kenye said their demand is within the parameter of the Indian Constitution while asserting that the NPF never encourages any secessionist movement.
NPF Core Committee member Abu Metha said the Government of Nagaland is very clear about the Statehood demand of ENPO which can only be decided by the Government of India. He also reiterated the State Government’s demand to expedite the peace process to hammer out an early and honourable solution to the decades-old problem.
