NPF to support new Govt
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 11 2022:
The five Naga People's Front (NPF) candidates, who won the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, on Friday went to Kohima and met central NPF office bearers.
Later in the afternoon, they met caretaker CM N Biren, as the latter sought their support.
Out of 10 candidates put up by NPF, five won the elections.
They are K Leishiyo (Phungyar, Ramganing Muivah (Ukhrul), Khashim Vashum (Chingai), L Dikho (Mao) and Awangbow Newmai (Tamei AC).
Speaking to The People's Chronicle, L Dikho confided that they decided to continue supporting the BJP led government because of the good relations they have.
He said that N Biren requested NPF to support the new BJP led government in the state.
After discussing the matter, NPF central leader and Manipur Unit have also accepted the request.
As such, the elected candidates of NPF went to meet Biren at his bungalow, Dikho disclosed, while adding that NPF will fully support the new BJP led government and continue to work for the welfare of the people, he assured.
Meanwhile, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon said that a letter of support for the formation of BJP led government in Manipur was submitted to the Governor of Manipur on Thursday.
Confident of a postpoll alliance with the BJP party once again, Kikon said, "This time, we deserve more than the last arrangement.
Our tally has increased from 4 MLAs to 5 MLAs and so our stake has increased.
"We hope that the BJP leadership will acknowledge the contribution of the NPF in the last 5 years" .
While two ministerial berths were given to the NPF under the previous Biren Singh-led BJP government, the party now hopes for more ministerial berths, considering the growth of its strength and "contribution" during the last tenure.
"It is imperative for any government including the BJP government to have the NPF in alliance to ensure that peace prevails both in the hills and as well as in the valleys," he said, further adding that it is only through the NPF party that the gap between the hills and the valleys in Manipur can be bridged.
He maintained that the party's presence in the hill areas is immense as a major chunk of the hill areas are dominated by Nagas.
Although the party failed to all ten seats it contested, Kikon said that the vote percentage has shown that there are "enough people" behind the party.
When the party comes to power with the BJP, he said that the party hopes to bring about more developmental activities in the hills apart from creating social and harmony between the hills and the valleys.
Kikon's statement comes after the party conducted an informal meeting in Kohima to felicitate the five candidates who won the election in Manipur.