DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 6 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister and NPF leader Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the NPF is a regional party that stands for the protection and preservation of Naga culture and heritage. Speaking at the Zunheboto district NPF election rally, Rio said that the cock party is also one of the oldest and most respected regional parties in the entire region. This was stated in a press note issued by Abu Metha NPF Press Secretary.
Highlighting the institution of the state symbol with mithun as the logo, the Chief Minister said that such decisions are significant symbols of our people standing tall with our own dignified identity. The state logo of mithun has the word unity and it signifies that the NPF stands for the unity of all sections of the people, the CM said.
Rio informed that senior Congress leaders of Nagaland had rushed all the way to Imphal by road secretly to meet Ibobi Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur to seek his blessings and advise for the elections in Nagaland. Rio observed that the Manipur Chief Minister was one of the biggest enemies of the Naga people and that he is responsible for the suppression of Nagas. He termed the Congress leaders’ visit to Imphal as a betrayal of the Nagas and reiterated that the Congress leaders of Nagaland are not genuine leaders of the Nagas but were only agents of outsiders and representatives of the adversaries of the Naga people.
Dwelling upon the Congress booklet of the state government’s failures, Rio said that the Congress was bereft of any vision and was only concerned with false allegations.
Senior minister in the Rio Cabinet, Kaito, who spoke on behalf of all the six officials NPF candidates called upon all sections of the people to be united. He stated that with unity and oneness, Nagaland can make more progress.
The official NPF candidates of Zunheboto district namely, Doshehe Y Sema, Nihoshe, Shetoi, Pukhai and Kakheto Kinimi were present in the rally. Others who were also present were included NPF Working President Huska, NPF Youth Wing President Kakuto Shohe and a host of other political and social leaders.
Later in the evening the Chief Minister addressed another election rally at Jakhama village under Southern Angami I assembly constituency.
Reiterating his stand that the NPF stands for preservation and protection of Naga identity, Rio said that only a regional party can carry the true voice of the Naga people. We carry the voice and desire of the Nagas, he said adding that today thanks to the NPF, the Naga voice is being heard in the Manipur assembly and both Houses of Parliament.
Sitting MLA and NPF candidate from the constituency Vikho-o Yhoshu also addressed the gathering. Vikho-o recalled the positive contributions of prominent citizens of Jakhama village and asserted that the sons of Jakhama have made significant contributions for Naga society.
