NPF invites NDPP to ‘come together’

To field 10 candidates in Manipur

Morung Express News
Kohima | January 31

In a latest political development, the state regional party, Naga People’s Front (NPF) has decided to extend invitation to the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) led by Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues to ‘come together.’

Informing this to media persons this evening at a press briefing, NPF Secretary General, Achumbemo Kikon said this resolution was taken at the meeting of the Working Committee NPF held today.

“We are extending invitation to the CM, Neiphiu Rio and his MLAs to come together, as there is a desire by one and all among the Naga family that regional party of NPF and NDPP should come to an understanding/together,” said Kikon. 

Queried on what ‘coming together’ meant, he chose to remain ambiguous and refused to explain if it meant that the two parties would see some kind of merger. “Let us not go into the details. Politics is the art of possibility, everything is, and can be possible,” Kikon stated.

However, he maintained that as much as it was the wish of the NPF, it is the wish of the Naga people that the NPF and NDPP come together. “Let us find the best possible option on how we can come together. The dynamics of politics is changing, and we have to adapt to the changing times. We should respect the desire of our people and work together for our people” said Kikon without explaining any further.

With the state general election of Nagaland slated in 2023, it is left to the NDPP, who if it accepts the invitation, will change the political scenario in the state.

NPF to contest in 10 ACs in Manipur election

Meanwhile, with the ensuing Manipur general election, the Working Committee of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has resolved to contest in 10 assembly constituencies.

The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held on January 31, where the working committee was said to have deliberated at length, the political scenario and the recommendations submitted to the NPF Central Office by the Ticket Selection Committee.

Informing this, Kikon said it has received as many as 40 applications seeking the party ticket for the ensuing Manipur election.

Following a thorough deliberation by the working committee, Kikon said it has shortlisted 10 candidates to award the NPF ticket for the forthcoming Manipur Election 2022. The shortlisted candidates are Langhu Paulhring Anal of 41 Chandel A/C, Dangsawa Korungthang of Maring 42 Tengnoupal A/C, Leishiyo Keishang of 43 Phungyar A/C, Ram Muivah of 44 Ukhrul A/C, Khashim Vashum of 45 Chingai A/C, Khoho Süle Anthony of 47 Karong A/C, Losü Dikho of 48 Mao A/C, Francis Ngajokpa of 49 Tadubi A/C, Awangbow Newmai of 52 Tamei A/C, and Khangthungnang Panmei of 53 Tamenglong A/C.

According to Kikon, the process of selection was extensively studied, and an extensive exercise was carried out by way of contacting party functionaries, civil society, well wishers etc, following which a recommendation was put forward to the Central party office.

There are as many as 25 constituencies where NPF has its influences even in non-Naga areas in Manipur, Kikon claimed, “However, we don’t want to be an ambitious party. This is a party with a difference with certain objectives...we wanted to be focussed on our aims and objectives for which we don’t want to be ambitious,” he added.

Hence, he said, the party has zeroed down on committed applicants as, “We don’t want to issue tickets just for the sake of issuing, and don’t want to contest just for the sake of contesting, but want to ensure that whoever is selected emerged as victorious.”

Kikon also informed that a programme has been organised on February 2 at Kohima to officially hand over the tickets to the candidates.

Exuding confidence, he said “our candidates are fully prepared, and hoping that we will win double numbers of what we have at the moment. We know that we have the support of the people and with the blessings of God, we will emerge victorious.”

Meanwhile, Kikon said “there is an unspoken kind of consensus and our understanding will continue,” when queried on the ‘understanding’ between BJP and NPF in Manipur.