Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio with Kachui Timothy Zimik, NPF candidate for II- Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency and others at Maram on April 20. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Senapati | April 20
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang, other cabinet minister and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) MLAs and frontal leaders today campaigned for Kachui Timothy Zimik, Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate for the forthcoming 18th Lok Sabha Election 2024 to II- Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, scheduled for poll in April 26.
Addressing the campaign programme at Raisung Ground, Maram Bazar under Senapati district, Rio said he readily agreed to come for the campaign of Zimik when NPF MLAs Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and Achumbemo Kikon from Nagaland and NPF central president Apong Pongener approached him. “It gives more strength and more reason to come here, he said.
Rio also expressed happiness that the National People’s Party (NPP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are also supporting the candidature of Zimik. Rio recalled that NPF was launched in Manipur on May 28, 2011 to unite the Nagas wherein 5 MLAs got elected in 2012 to the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Bringing NPF here (Manipur), the Cock party was for a purpose, he said adding that Nagas has a political issue. “We must resolve the Naga issue and that can be resolved only when Nagas are united.”
Rio also said that it is most important that regional party from Nagaland and regional party (NPF) from Outer Manipur should represent us in the parliament otherwise “we will defeat ourselves.”
Stressing on the need to work together among the regional parties, Rio said “where there is not good for us, for our society, we have to speak out loudly.”
“Today we need Delhi government. But when it is against our tradition, our customary law, against ethic of humanity or society, we have to speak out,” he said. As a Naga, I cannot comprise my identity as a Naga, my culture, my tradition, my laws and also I cannot compromise my religion. This is stand of the regional party, Rio added.
‘NPF is only regional party to come together for the Nagas of Manipur’
Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang recalled that the NPF party was formed for the welfare of the Naga people by likeminded Naga Leaders under the leadership of A. Kevichusa on October 21, 1963, with the welfare of the Naga people in mind.
Having been a part of the NPF party before he joined NDPP, based on experience, Zeliang said, “I must say that NPF party is the only regional political platform to come together for the Nagas of Manipur. As such, if you want peaceful solution and move ahead with progress and development, take the decision today to support and vote for NPF candidate.”
He said that since its inception, the Cock party under the name ‘Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN)’ with its motto “Fide Non Armis,” faced several obstacles and the nomenclature of the party had witnessed changes with the change of time. When the party decided to extend to Manipur and Arunachal in 2011-2012, the nomenclature was changed from Nagaland Peoples’ Front to Naga Peoples’ Front but despite the changes in nomenclature, the symbol and motto of the Cock party has remained the same since its formation.
Right now, the challenge before us is to bring NPF candidate, Kachui Timothy Zimik to the 18th Lok Sabha and for this to happen, both the NPF and BJP must put in our strongest effort at all levels, he said.
Zimikm in his address assured that, if elected, he will take up the delimitation matter in consultation with the public. He also expressed his desire to address unemployed problem as well as to transform the socio- economic scenario of the populace.
Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, leader NPF Legislature Party called upon the electorates of II- Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency to cast their vote in favour of Zimik to enable them to collectively speak for the rights of the Nagas and take the Naga political issue forward.
NPF (Central) president, Apong Pongener thanked Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, who is also the National President of NPP, Conrad Sangma for their unflinching endorsement of the NPF candidate in the ensuing Parliamentary Election.
He also conveyed special appreciation to the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, for his special love for NPF and his unconditional support in favor of the NPF party in general and the candidature of K. Timothy Zimik in particular.
Pongener also thanked various civil societies of Manipur for their support for NPF official candidate in this ensuing election. Earlier, Awangbow Newmai, president NPF Manipur state unit and minister Manipur delivered welcome address while introduction was made by MLA L. Dikho.
