NPF functionaries and members of United Naga Council after a meeting held in Kohima on November 21. (Image Courtesy: NPF Press Bureau)
Kohima, November 21 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today indicated that it would not withdraw from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition led by the BJP in Manipur.
The conclusion came after a meeting between the NPF Central, led by the Secretary General, and representatives of the United Naga Council (UNC) in Kohima on November 21, convened in response to the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
“It was the UNC’s opinion that the NPF’s continued engagement with the present government would be more effective in addressing the current crisis than withdrawing or remaining inactive,” stated a press release issued by the party’s Press Bureau after the meeting.
The NPF has five legislators in the 60-member 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLA), including two cabinet ministers, Awangbow Newmai and Khashim Vashum.
At the meeting, the UNC delegation shared the various challenges faced by the Naga community in Manipur amidst the prolonged conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
The council also appreciated the efforts of the NPF in acting as a mediator to facilitate dialogue between the two groups to resolve their differences.
As per the release, the UNC also reiterated its demand for the rollback of the seven newly-created districts in Manipur and sought the support of the NPF, particularly given its position as part of the coalition government in the state.
The UNC emphasised that the NPF’s active role during this critical period is of utmost importance.
With the resurgence of unrest in Manipur, the National People's Party (NPP), with 7 members, has already pulled out of the NDA coalition.
As per the MLA website, apart from NPF and NPP, other parties in the 12th MLA are Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – 32; Janata Dal United (JDU) – 6; Indian National Congress (INC) – 5; Kuki People's Alliance (KPA) – 2; and 3 Independents.
