NPF MLAs back decision to suspend Rio and Imchen

In a significant turn of events, ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) MLAs and senior party functionaries have endorsed the suspension of Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio and MLA Imkong L Imchen from party's primary and active membership.
Three time chief minister and lone parliamentarian from Nagaland, Rio was suspended by NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu on May 17, while party MLA Imkong L Imchen was suspended on April 15 on charges of anti-party activities.
A joint meeting of NPF legislators and senior party functionaries held at state Banquet Hall in Kohima yesterday supported the suspension decision, NPF Legislature Party spokesperson and Minister for School Education and SCERT Yitachu said today.

NPF leaders were of the opinion that the decision was taken in the best interest of the party and also to ensure the stability of the NPF-led DAN government in the state, he said in a statement.
The meeting further expressed legislators' "unflinching support" to the leadership of party president Shurhozelie and Chief Minister T R Zeliang, the release said.
The MLAs and other leaders further extended full support to the peace talks between the Centre and Naga political group and to strive all out for an early and permanent settlement which is acceptable and honourable to the Nagas, it said.