Our Correspondent
Senapati | February 16
Speaking at the NPF election campaign kick-off programme for its 10 candidates to the forthcoming 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLA) elections in Senapati, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that he came for the programme on invitation of NPF to show solidarity as the ensuing elections mean a lot to the regional party people.
He said that in Nagaland, NDPP and BJP are in an alliance and comfortable but have decided that all the 60 elected MLAs should come together and subsequently formed the UDA government so as to pursue a final settlement to the Naga political issue.
Rio said that the UDA is a member in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the country and the NPF, Manipur unit is also in alliance with BJP while the NPF-NDPP are part of the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA), and as such “there should be no restriction for me to come and campaign here."
He asserted that Naga unity means a lot for the negotiation and for bringing solution.
Rio claimed that during the Ibobi led Government in Manipur, he (Ibobi) antagonized all the tribals in Manipur against the Nagas in particular. He maintained that after the entry of NPF MLAs into the state assembly of Manipur, things have changed and after Biren Singh led Government came into power, things have improved tremendously and a semblance of harmony came.
As neighbours and as a good neighbourhood, we can go together side by side, he said adding that it is a process of nation building and “therefore we should continue by adopt the non- violence policy.”
Talking on Naga peace talks, Rio said “I see no reason why there cannot be a settlement,” while adding that whatever competency has been agreed should be taken and discussion can be continued on whatever is unresolved. The public want settlement, he asserted.
He said that the youth of today, the students and the concerned public have to give mandate for solution and non-violence while emphasizing that there should be no violence in the society, no extortion and no illegal taxation, as the burden is too much and the struggle has been too long.
Stating that it is time to be serious, he said that election time is an opportunity to elect the right people to speak for the people and express their aspirations in the assembly and the parliament.
Rio asserted that Naga struggle was not a total failure but is a partial success already. He maintained that the Government of India had recognized the Naga history as unique and Naga issue as political issue. “We should not think that Naga movement is a failure but is a partial success and if we can take settlement now collectively, unitedly, opportunities will be given, platforms will be given to our youth,” Rio said.
Recognition of history and our issue is a big thing and there is no state in the country like Nagaland state which has been given so much privilege and protection, he said.
Rio said that Nagas are not confined to one state but live in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam as well, and the privilege and protection should be extended to all the Nagas in India.
NPF central working president Dr Huskha Yepthomi said that NPF party made it entry into Manipur state to protect the identity, culture, customs and religion from extinction. “We should go for NPF candidates so that people will acknowledge and recognize us,” he said.
After NPF entry into Manipur state assembly, the situation has changed so much, he said, claiming that NPF have brought peace and harmony to Manipur state.
NPF Manipur state unit president Awangbow Newmai said that NPF main agenda for Manipur polls 2022 is peace and it will deliver in reality.
NPF Central Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon led introduction of the NPF candidates.
He informed that NPF central president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu will be proceeding to Ukhrul on February 19 to campaign for the party candidate.
Earlier, Wungnaoshang A Shimray, president NPF Ukhrul Division moderated the programme while vote of thanks was proposed by Samuel Risom, chairperson of Election Committee 2022, Manipur.
