VDF men likely for NPF candidates
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18, 2012:
With the possibility that Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel would be provided as security escorts for Naga People's Front (NPF) candidates in fray for the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election the NPF has raised objection against the proposal.
According to an informed source, all the NPF candidates have made official intimations for security provision on the basis of the Manipur Chief Electoral Officer's assurance that security would be provided to any candidate if needed or applied for the same.
Consequently the NPF candidates apprised relevant authorities for security provisions to which the State Home Department suggested providing VDF personnel under the concept that there is no threat against NPF candidates, who would be contesting in 12 Assembly seats.
It is also informed that some NPF candidates have already been informed of the Home Department's proposal.
Disagreeing with the Home Department's concept, NPF general secretary Angam Muivah told The Sangai Express that NPF candidates are not free from the threat perception.
Citing an example, he said security cannot be guaranteed for NPF nominee in Tengnoupal AC for there are different armed groups operating in the said Assembly segment.