NPF to safeguard interests of Naga people

Party tickets handed out to Manipur poll candidates

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 2 

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today awarded party tickets to the 10 candidates it will be fielding in the forthcoming 12th general elections in Manipur state.

The party tickets were handed over by NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsü at NPF Central Office, Kohima.

Those who received the tickets include Langhu Paulhring Anal for 41 Chandel A/C, Dangsawa Korungthang Maring for 42 Tengnoupal A/C, Leishiyo Keishing for 43 Phungyar A/C, Ram Muivah for 44 Ukhrul A/C, Khashim Vashum for 45 Chingai A/C, Khoho Süle Anthony for 47 Karong A/C, Losü Dikho for 48 Mao A/C, M Francis Ngajokpa for 49 Tadubi A/C, Awangbow Newmai for 52 Tamei A/C, and Khangthuangnang Panmei for 53 Tamenglong A/C.

Besides Dr Liezietsü and leader of NPF Legislature Party TR Zeliang, Manipur’s MP in the Lok Sabha and chairperson of the Ticket Selection Committee Dr Lorho S Pfozhe along with Samuel Ritsom, the working president and chairman Election Committee NPF Manipur state unit, also spoke at the function.

Political & human approach to solve Indo-Naga political issue
Congratulating the candidates, Dr Liezietsü said that the party has issued tickets to NPF leaders who are considered to be the right candidates to fight the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.

The party ticket is not just a piece of paper to allow you to contest the elections but it is a responsibility thrown upon your shoulder to see that you bring laurels to the party, Dr Liezietsü told the candidates, adding that the prayers of all party leaders would be with them.

He said that over fifty eight years ago, the NPF as it is known today was birthed in the midst of violence, bloodshed and turbulent circumstances as the first ever registered political party in Nagaland. Today, he said, it stands as the oldest regional political party in the North East and the second oldest regional political party in the country.

Dr Liezietsü said that the party’s manifesto of 1974 states that the party symbol which is the cock or rooster, symbolizes the herald of a new dawn of peace and a quest for new frontiers towards creating an understanding for reconciliation among all people by taking initiative to heal the deepest human wounds through method of peaceful approach. “No pain shall be spared to transform Nagaland from a state of high fences, escorts and bodyguards into a welfare state in which every citizen shall be able to live and move freely and proudly without fear for life or property merely because of his or her political views,” he said.

Stating that NPF party was founded to safeguard the interest of the Naga people in various fronts and to help ensure a secured future, he said “Therefore, this party is deeply rooted in the unique history of the Naga people.” He said that one of the main objectives of the party is to work for peace and settlement of the long standing Indo-Naga political problem while quoting Article II, Clause 2(a) of the party Constitution: “To work and assist in any possible manner on any approach for a peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, thereby moving towards a renaissance of Naga brotherhood by making constant appeal to Naga conscience within and without.”

Also stating that Naga people want peace and “we deserve it,” the NPF appealed to the conscience of the conflicting parties to respect the wishes of the people for a political settlement.

“Since we are not a conflicting party, we can only assist in any possible manner to facilitate the process as our Constitution says,” he maintained. 

The Indo-Naga political problem must be solved through political and human approach, he said.

Besides, NPF is the regional political party that represents the identity and the personality of the Naga people.  It is also the party to preserve the culture, heritage and traditions of our people, he added.

“As members of this political party, each one of us has the responsibility to see that we stand by the principle of our party and play our role sincerely.  If we fail to play our role as demanded, posterity will judge us,” he added.

NPF will be ‘kingmaker’ 
Extending good wishes to the candidates, TR Zeliang was optimistic that all the candidates would come with flying colors in the elections.

He also called upon the party workers to work together for victory of the party candidates. “If we put our head together, we will surely win,” he said.

He said that NPF will be ‘kingmaker’ in the formation of the next government in Manipur and expressed hope that the candidates, when elected, would go by the directive of the NPF central office.

Meanwhile, Zeliang said that the party will soon finalize the time for official kick off of the election campaign.

NPF Central Campaign Committee for Manipur polls

NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsü has assigned the following party leaders as Central Campaign Committee for the upcoming 12th Manipur General Election 2022 with TR Zeliang as the overall in-charge. 

TAMENGLONG
MLA Imkong L Imchen, (Team Leader)
Members: MLA YM Yollow, NPF working president Thenucho Tunyi, NPF Central youth wing president  N Vihoshe Swu, and CEC member Aneü Sedem.
 
SENAPATI
MLA Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu (Team Leader)
Members: MLA Khriehu Liezietsü, MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro, NPF working president Dr Huskha Yepthomi, CEC member Dr Tseilhoutuo (Ato), and NPF Kohima division president Neisakuolie Rutsa.
 
UKHRUL
MLA Y Vikheho Swu (Team Leader)
Members: MLA Dr Chotisuh Sazo, MLA Kezhienyi Khalo, NPF Central women wing president Yanhola and CEC member Er Kropol Vitsu.
 
CHANDEL
MLA Yitachu (Team Leader)
Members: MLA Dr Chumben Murry and NPF secretary Z Neikuo Lhousa.
 
NPF STATE UNIT OFFICE (Control Room)
Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, Secretary Voto Neikha, and Associate Press Secretary Atoho K Kiho.