NPF to play role in forming next govt in Manipur
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Ukhrul, January 21, 2012:
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday was at his expletive best against his counterpart Okram Ibobi Singh and expressed confidence that Naga People's Front (NPF) would play a role in the formation of next government in Manipur.
In an NPF election rally organised at Tangkhul Naga Long ground in Ukhrul, Neiphiu Rio accused Okram Ibobi Singh of indulging in discriminatory politics and denying the "Naga brothers" in Manipur their rights.
Rio was accompanied by Health & Family Welfare Minister, Kuzholozu during the rally.
He stated that the Manipur government did not only stop NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his birthplace but also made an abortive attempt to stop the NPF from launching its unit in Senapati last year.
"If you allow him to come to power, he (Ibobi) would try to prevent me from meeting my brothers (Nagas)," he asserted, while urging the Nagas to make every effort to humiliate Ibobi led Congress government in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Rio said that the "NPF came to Manipur for peace, not for creating problem," while adding that the party would abide by "Naga policies and principles" and not compromise with the rights of the Nagas.
He also stated the Nagas have "no enmity with the Meitei brothers," but added that "if threatened, we will take head on".
While appealing the electorates to vote for the NPF in the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for January 28, the Nagaland Chief Minister expressed confidence that the party would play a role in the formation of next government in Manipur.
"We (Nagas) must unite.
We must give up individualism, tribalism but stand for Nagaism," Rio appealed the crowd.
He further said that for the Nagas it's not the time to talk about likes and dislikes but show unity.
"NPF is people's party; Naga's party and future of the Nagas."Neiphiu Rio wrapped up its first leg of election campaign by addressing a large crowd at the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) rally in Ukhrul, after a whirlwind tour in Tamenglong district two days ago, but dare not to say much on winning chances in the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly polls.
Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao before his departure from Ukhrul this Saturday afternoon, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio refused to comment anything on how many seats the NPF would win in the forthcoming elections, which is slated for January 28."But, we will definitely open an account this time," he stated, while refusing to say anything on "guessing number".
Asked if the NPF would join hand with Congress in forming the next government in Manipur, Rio was quick to respond, "Never with Ibobi.
We (NPF) have nothing to do with him".
During an election rally in Tamenglong on January 19, Rio made a statement that any Naga who do not vote for NPF would be considered anti-Naga.
On being asked by this reporter how the Naga's oneness be defined by Manipur's election, he gave an evasive reply, saying everyone can make their own decision for their own future.
NPF has fielded 12 candidates in the forthcoming Assembly polls in Manipur.
Much to the surprise of political analysts, the party has fielded only one sitting MLA while the rest are new faces.