NPF tickets to Toshipokba and Dr Lorho

NPF leaders with Dr Lorho S Pfoze and Toshipokba during the party ticket distribution ceremony in Kohima on March 19. (Morung Photo)

NPF leaders with Dr Lorho S Pfoze and Toshipokba during the party ticket distribution ceremony in Kohima on March 19. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 19 

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today awarded its party tickets to Toshipokba for bye-election to 26-Aonglenden Assembly Constituency in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly; and Dr. Lorho S Pfoze for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections for Manipur Outer Parliamentary Constituency.

Handing over the party tickets at the NPF Central Office in Kohima, party president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu said the party ticket must be highly valued and all party workers should work towards ensuring that the candidates are successful. 

“Let us work hard and take our stand as real soldiers and fight the battle by looking forward to see better days ahead,” he said. 
 
Undecided on Nagaland LS candidates

Dr. Liezietsu meanwhile said that the party is yet to decide on a candidate for the Nagaland parliamentary constituency seat. 

“Some good candidates are on the cards but we are examining how best we can work out to see that secular forces work together. In this, we have been looking forward to make some suitable adjustment with some like-minded party. We will declare our decision in a day or two,” he said.

NPF Legislature Party leader, TR Zeliang said that there are two contenders, adding that the party requires further discussion.

He said the NPF Election Committee will sit again, adding that the decision of the party in this regard will be taken on what will be the best for the NPF party and for the Naga people in general.

Sources meanwhile informed that former NPF President, V Phushika Awomi, and former BJP ST Morcha Nationaly Secretary, Hayithung Lotha are actively canvassing for the party’s LS ticket. The sources added that the party had earlier approached former MP, Asungba Sangtam and present Congress candidate KL Chishi to be their candidate. While Chishi declined and re-joined the Congress, the former’s response remained unclear.
 
Toshipokba, Dr. Lorho appeal 

Toshipokba appealed party members and leaders to render their complete support. “I hope and pray that our collective effort will definitely ensure our victory,” he said.

Dr Pfoze in his speech said the NPF has gained popularity and now people are accepting its existence for people’s welfare. 

Expressing confidence at his chances, Dr Lorho said: “we will not be divisive but inclusive and work for the welfare of Nagas and tribal people in Manipur state”.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP and NPF secretary general, KG Kenye called upon the party rank and file to rededicate themselves and give their best so see that the NPF candidates are victorious.

MLA Imkong L Imchen also spoke at the programme.

To kick off  bye election campaign on March 29

Meanwhile, it was informed that the party would start its election campaign for the 26th Aonglenden Assembly Constituency on March 29 at Ungma Village at 11:00am.

All the NPF Legislators led by Leader of the Legislature Party and all the COBs, Frontal & Cell led by Party President (Central) including Divisional Presidents and all rank and file have been requested to attend the campaign kick-off programme.