Kohima: The ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has appealed to the leaders of Eastern Nagaland to withdraw the decision to boycott Hornbill Festival, which is scheduled to begin from December 1.
At the consultative meeting of the NDPP held at Chümoukedima, it was resolved to request the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to withdraw the decision to abstain from taking part in the Hornbill Festival.
The NDPP said nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Riohas agreed to address the grievances raised by ENPO. The ENPO has been fighting for a separate Eastern Nagaland state.
The NDPP pointed out that the essence of Hornbill Festival is to portray the unity in diversity of the people of Nagaland.
It said Hornbill Festival has now become an international platform to promote the rich Naga culture and tradition.
On the issue of statehood demand (Frontier or Eastern Nagaland), the NDPP said that the issue lay with New Delhi, and not with the state government or citizens of Nagaland.
The NDPP said the state government had never objected to the demand of ENPO people for a separate state and that the party also supported the demand.
The party called upon “Eastern brethren” to reconsider their decision and join rest of the state in celebrating the “Festival of festivals” and show the world unity in brotherhood, solidarity and as one people.
