NPF firm behind leadership of Liezietsu

The internal squabbling within the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) today came to an end with the party deciding to stand firm behind the leadership of their incumbent President Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Chief Minister TR Zeliang.
The decision was adopted in the form of a resolution during the special general convention of NPF held at Indira Gandhi Stadium here this afternoon.
Around ten thousand active members of NPF from Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh attending the convention raised their hands reiterating the election of Liezietsu as Party President and other office bearers during the General Convention of the Party held on November 26 last year at the same venue.

The House also resolved to stand with their leadership and nullify formation of any other dissident leadership within the party.
On January 5 last, altogether 22 NPF MLAs had openly revolted demanding change of leadership in the state, which had led to sacking of some ministers and parliamentary secretary from the TR Zeliang ministry.
Subsequently, Zeliang moved a 'Confidence Motion' in the state Assembly, wherein all the elected representatives voted in favour of his leadership in the 60-member House.

However, the dissident group led by Noke Wangnao and G Kaito Aye continued with their campaign and moved the Election Commission seeking recognition of the dissident group as the original NPF party.

The EC directed the NPF to resolve the matter as per provisions under Article XV of the Party Constitution on 'dispute of leadership' by holding a general convention.
"The general convention was summoned by the party as per the directive of the ECI, following a petition filed by our dissident colleagues to declare their group as the original NPF Party, and to allot them the 'Cock' symbol," said Chief Minister TR Zeliang while addressing the mammoth gathering.