NPF puts up 3 sitting MDCs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08 2015 :
Whereas the UNC and the NPF have been working hand in hand for the ensuing ADC election, three sitting MDCs are contesting the election on NPF tickets in Tamenglong ADC.
Even though UNC president Gaidon Kamei claimed that there was synergy between UNC and NPF's political ideology and principle, fielding of sitting MDCs may create a rift between the apex Naga civil organisation and the particular political party which has its roots in neighbouring Nagaland.
The three sitting MDCs who are seeking re-election this time on NPF tickets are Tuntam, Namsirei Panmei and Keikhunjanang Gonmei.
In the previous ADC election held in 2010, Tuntam was elected on Congress ticket while Namsirei Panmei and Keikhunjanaug Gonmei got elected as Independent candidates.
This year Tuntam is fighting the ADC election in Chaton Circle DCC, Namsirei Panmei in Lamlaba Circle DCC and Keikhunjanaug Gonmei in Dailong DCC.
Although UNC and NPF have been working together, the resolutions of the Naga Peoples' Convention held on July 1, 2010 still stand, one of which declared the District Council Third Amendment Act as null and void in Naga areas.
Besides the resolutions of the convention, the UNC has already declared that all sitting MDCs as well as the candidates who contested the 2010 ADC election should not fight the ensuing election.
Putting up three sitting MDCs by NPF is in total contravention to the UNC's position and this contravention may create a rift between the two, sources said.
One key functionary of NPF, however, told The Sangai Express that Tuntam, Namsirei Panmei and Kei-khunjanang Gonmei are not sitting MDCs.
The trio joined NPF under public pressure a few years back.
After joining NPF, they supported the party's candidate in the last Lok Sabha election, he added.