Imphal, February 07: In a development predicted to have wide implications on the forthcoming elections and after, a meeting organized by United Naga Council, UNC at its headquarters at Senapati, had 47 Naga candidates sign a pledge that in the event of their return to the 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly, they would support the Naga cause, including the ongoing peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and Government of India, according to a reliable source.

Prominent by his refusal to attend the meeting was former chief minister Rishang Keishing, the source said.

The meeting organizers roundly criticized Rishang for his �uncooperative manner,� the source further said.

They even discussed the possibility of censuring the Congress (I) veteran, the source added.

Rishang, it is learnt spent the day campaigning for his party in the valley area.

The joint pledge among others said the Naga MLAs once elected would raise the issue of Naga political problems in forum including the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

It also said all Naga MLAs would be compelled to fight and campaign unitedly on issues concerning the problems of the Nagas, and those MLAs who turn back on the pledge signed today would have to willingly face the ire of the Naga people.

The pledge further said all Naga candidates must consider the Naga issue above their party manifestos, the source said.

Prof Gangmumei Kamei, the Federal Party Manipur, FPM leader attracted scrutiny at the meeting for raising strong critiques of today�s decision as well as many other matters, the source said.