Dimapur, January 14 (MExN): Virtually announcing the launch of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) campaign in Manipur’s assembly polls, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio today told an election rally in Manipur’s Tadubi that the time has come for the people to “integrate politically.”
“It is not for us to tell you what to do because you know very well as you have suffered the most and we are confident that you will not compromise the future of the Nagas,” the chief minister said during the election rally. He said the campaign was a new beginning ‘starting with emotional integration’ and the time has come to “integrate politically, culturally and economically as a people. Then only can we integrate physically.” The CM then called upon the Nagas to be united. Rio said the NPF will continue to speak the Naga voice and stand for the rights of the Nagas legally within the Constitution of India.
According to the chief minister Nagas have been divided but “we have a future only if we are united as a family.” The NPF has realized the suffering of the Nagas especially under Manipur state, he said, and the party is now providing an opportunity to the Nagas to “come together” under the NPF. He reiterated that the NPF has respect for all other political parties “however Nagas would never compromise our interest and our future.”
On the NPF’s strategy for the Manipur polls, Rio informed that the party would team up with like-minded parties and form a new Manipur government in Imphal. “We are fighting elections to run a new government and not to sit in opposition” he said and added that Nagas have to come together and get our rightful place under the Indian union.
The election rally was also addressed by the three NPF candidates to contest in Senapati district. K Raina, the NPF aspirant for the 49 Tadubi seat in address informed that he was offered the Congress ticket but he refused to follow the Congress party because he felt that the Congress is not going to address the Naga issue or solve the sufferings of the Naga people. Congress will never integrate Nagas, only the NPF can bring the Nagas together, he stated.
Working president of the NPF’s Manipur unit, Sword Vashum also told the rally that the Nagas have to unite as a people and make themselves heard to the outside world. The Chief Minister was accompanied ministers, Imkong Imchen, Doshehe Y. Sema, Dr. Chumben, MC Konyak, parliamentary secretaries Yitachu and R. Khing and a host of senior party functionaries from the NPF central and divisional units.
