36 MLAs of Nagaland serve ultimatum to Shurhozelie to step down

Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang, along with 35 MLAs, have served a 15-day ultimatum on Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to step down as president of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF), expressing apprehension that continuance of Dr. Shurhozelie as NPF president would "invite further destruction and dismemberment" of the party at various hierarchies.

According to a statement issued by Parliamentary Affairs Minister of the Nagaland Government Tokheho Yepthomi in a letter to NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said that a meeting of the NPF Legislature Party held on Saturday at State Banquet Hall in Kohima, where the 36 MLAs took stock of the political situation after TR Zeliang, took over as the leader of the NPF Legislature Party including the reins of the Government in the state.

The MLAs expressed particular concern with the "precarious condition" of the NPF party in the hands of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu. They accused the party president of creating a deep divide between the party organisation and the legislative wing for his "selfish ends."

According to the signatories, the resolution to serve an ultimatum on Dr. Shurhozelie was after taking note of his "autocratic style of functioning" wherein he expelled and suspended elected MLAs and MPs without issuing a show cause notice to them and without following due procedure of law and without observing the principles of natural justice.

Further the MLAs said they also took note of the "fraud Dr Shurhozelie" in mutilating the constitution of the NPF party by adding words and additional sentences. They said such words were not authorised to be inserted in the constitution at any general convention but done by Dr Shurhozelie to position himself "in an unquestionable and unbridled manner."

They also resolved to advise all party rank and file not to follow any orders from Dr Shurhozelie as he had already come under cloud and was under the process of being removed from office as party president.

They claimed that the impeachment had the backing of NPF leaders, workers and bodies from 36 Assembly Constituencies out of 47. The MLAs have authorised the Chief Minister and leader of the NPF Legislature Party T R Zeliang to forward the adopted resolutions to the Election Commission of India to inform it about the factual position in the NPF.

The signatories include T.R. Zeliang, G Kaito Aye, Imkong L. Imchen, Tokheho Yepthomi, Y Patton, Kipili Sangtam, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, E.E. Pangteang, Kejong Chang, Neiba Kronu, Noke Wangnao, S.I. Jamir, Pukhayi, S. Pangnyu Phom, C.M. Chang, Nuklutoshi, Deo Nukhu, Naiba Konyak, C. Apok Jamir, Pohwang, Dr. Benjongliba Aier, Merentoshi Jamir, Hukavi Zhimomi, Shetoyi, B.S. Nganlang, Imtikumzuk, Zhaleo Rio, Dr. Longrineken, L Khumo, Eshak Konyak, Er. Vikho-o Yhosh?, Khekaho Assumi, Tovihoto Ayemi, Namri Nchang, Er. Kropol and Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, the statement added.