NPF speaks up for Rio
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Senapati, February 18 2014 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh are in the centre of media attraction once again with NPF and the State Government of Manipur busy engaging in verbal war.

Nagaland Chief Minister's speech at Nagas' seed sowing festival, Lui-Ngai-Ni at Tamenglong on February 15 has kicked up the latest ruckus.

On Tuesday, NPF, Manipur State unit general secretary Athuan Abonmai said Ibobi Singh is the Chief Minister only in the valley while Neiphiu Rio is advocating the cause of the North East people.

Abonmai was reacting to Manipur Government spokesman M Okendro's comment on Monday wherein the latter had condemned Rio's Tamenglong speech while accusing the Nagaland chief minister of inciting hate among the various ethnic communities of Manipur.

On February 15, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had reportedly said that Chief Minister of Manipur O Ibobi 'is an enemy' of the Nagas, according to M Okendro.

Neiphiu Rio had also said Meiteis are not the enemies of the Nagas but neighbours.

On Monday, Manipur Government spokesman and education minister M Okendro defended O Ibobi Singh, saying the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh 'is a leader who does not want to compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur and, that he is a man who loves all the communities with equal treatment'.

Okendro had also stated that the people should not be misguided by such statements by Rio because the Nagaland Chief Minister knows nothing about Ibobi.

Reacting to that, NPF leader Athuan Abonmai said Ibobi Singh is the Chief Minister only in the valley.

"He does not represent Manipur hills," stated the NPF leader.

Citing a case, the NPF leader said Ibobi had tried his best not to accept the genuine census data of Mao-Maram-Paomata-Purul areas of Senapati district.

"Because if the population is increased five assembly seats will be increased in the hill districts," pointed out Athuan Abonmai.

He also accused Ibobi of being communal when he banned Neiphiu Rio from entering Manipur in 2011 .

"A Chief Minister banning another Chief Minister from entering one's state is not communal, then what is more communal?" wonders Athuan Abonmai.

Athuan Abonmai then said Neiphiu Rio is the convenor of North East Regional Parties Front (NERPF) advocating the cause of the whole North East region.

"Recently, Rio had gone to Delhi and strongly apprised the racial attack cases to the Central leaders while Ibobi Singh is still busy pleasing his so called high command by terming the Delhi episodes as otherwise," further pointed Athuan Abonmai.

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