3 Nagaland MLAs visit Ukhrul as warm-up to LS polls
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, February 12 2014:
In an apparent warm-up to the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, three NPF legislators from Nagaland visited Ukhrul but were tight-lipped on the decision of the Naga party to contest the Outer Manipur seat.
NPF MLAs namely Kipili Sangtam, L.Khumo Khiamungam and E.R.Picto arrived at Ukhrul on Wednesday, and left this afternoon for Kohima.
'The party is yet to decide whom to project for Outer Manipur seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,' said Sangtam, who is also a parliamentary secretary (power), in Neiphiu Rio's government.
Terming their visit to Ukhrul as a warm-up to the Lok Sabha polls, he said the party central leadership is still contemplating on whether the NPF should field candidate in the ensuing general elections.
On being reminded that the state party unit had on December 7 last stated that name of candidate for Outer Manipur seat be announced in January this year, Sangtam asserted the Manipur NPF unit cannot take decision on the matter while hinting that it's the prerogative of the central high command.
He also stated the central leadership will take a decision very soon on whether to contest the Outer Manipur seat and whom to project as their candidate.
"...as of now everything is uncertain and undecided," the Naga MLA added.
On Wednesday morning, the three legislator accompanied by Ukhrul A/C MLA Samuel Risom graced the building foundation laying ceremony of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL).
Sangtam, who graced the function as chief guest, asked the Tangkhul youths to take initiative for reconciliation among the feuding Nagas.
He also urged "the NPF party workers to behave nicely" to foster unity and brotherhood among the Naga brethren.
Meanwhile, a high placed source informed that the NPF central committee is rift on the issue of contesting polls in Manipur this time.
A party insider said a section of the committee is in favour of staying off from Ibobi's turf and focus on lending support to other political party.
The visiting MLAs also reportedly met party workers in the district but what transpired during their meeting was not known.