NPF stands for tribal rights, says minister Dikho
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, October 14 2021: PHE minister Losii Dikho has said that Naga People's Front (NPF) stands for tribal rights.

He was speaking at a get-together programme of village leaders and party workers of 48-Mao Assembly Constituency held at Asufii, Mao on Thursday.

Dikho underscored the importance of politics in the society and called for unity.

NPF was launched in Manipur in 2011 and the party debuted in the Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2012 .

Having realised the importance of representation in the assembly, the Mao assembly constituency elected Losii Dikho as their representative and re-elected him in 2017 as NPF legislator.

NPF as a political party wants to bring peace in the land and doesn't want any confrontation, violence or problem in the land, the minister said, adding that blessings come through prayers of many and the party is a Christian faith-based political party.

With direction from central party, the NPF Manipur State Unit has been moving forward with prayers and support of the apex civil society organisations of the hill districts.

People of the region had suffered and experienced bloodsheds which necessitated the formation of the party.

in the state.

And with the blessings of God and support of the people, the party has witnessed success thus far, Losii Dikho asserted.

The minister went on to say during the 2017 general elections, the party supported the BJP led the state government.

Even though NPF did not ask for ministerial berths, the party had trusted the BJP and readily agreed to support the latter in the state assembly.

Different opposition members attempted to persuade NPF to quit the BJP led government but the party has remained loyal to the government till date.

The party also appreciates the central leaders of BJP.

Prime Minister Modi during his campaign in Imphal assured that he would take away bandhs and blockades from Manipur within 15 months if BJP was elected to power in the state, and peace, through contribution from NPF, has prevailed in the state as promised by the Prime Minister of the country, the minister said.

Through the initiative of the Prime Minister to provide tap water to all households, process is on with the PHED department to achieve that in the state, he added.

Losii Dikho also said that he enjoys serving the people and acknowledges the love he receives from them, adding that crucial time is approaching and the only choice for people is to choose NPF.

The minister assured that if he is re-elected, he will look into the border land issue as he is well aware of such cases in the past.

Dikho also promised to take up pending issues relating to ongoing projects and developmental programmes that are underway in the region.

He prioritised border trade and tourism, citing there are many places in his constituency and the district which have the potential of tourism destinations.

The minister also mentioned about improvement of human resources which can create employment for many educated unemployed youth in the district and said that his dreams are solving employment problems through sports.

Briefing media persons, L Dikho stated that the programme was held to highlight the NPF's position in the state where the party is a partner of the BJP led government which has brought peace and change in the state.

While appreciating the central BJP leaders, the NPF legislator was unhappy over the treatment of the BJP led government which, he said, is not serious in the partnership and not taking care of minority Christians and other minority communities as he expressed his concern for them.

The NPF leader also appreciated the central BJP leaders under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, who, he said, is serious about the Naga peace process.

Dikho said that he is hopeful of peaceful environment in the state once the Naga issue is solved, adding that he is also committed to the cause of the tribals in the state.

Dikho further said he believes that relationship between the tribals and the other major communities will improve if such concern is addressed in the state.

NPF is committed for peace and development in the state, he added.

Speaking at the event, ML Markson lauded the four NPF MLAs who stood for tribal rights even to resign from their seats.

The NPF legislators have been part of ruling party and opposition as well.

They have never wavered from their commitment, he observed, while urging all to continue to support their stand for welfare of the tribal and re-elect them in the next election.

The former ADC chairman also stated that he will never compromise oh issues and religion, while urging all to do so in one's life too.

He also appealed for electing leaders which will stand for tribal rights, not only for their own assembly segment but also to reach out beyond one's constituency.

Stating that many will come with make-up stories, he urged all to minutely scrutinise who should represent the people and who can sacrifice for betterment of the people.

Naga Women's Union former president L M Tabitha stated that the launch of NPF in Manipur opened the path for the genuine causes of the tribal which needs to strengthened and the motto of the party "By faith, not by arms'' that shows principle of peace, not by violence should be upheld.

If people do not elect the right leaders, it cannot be ruled out that the earlier sufferings of the tribal may not return, the woman leader mentioned, while urging to strengthen the NPF to bring peace and development in the region.

The programme was attended by CSOs, village councils, women organisations and youth organisations of 48-Mao Assembly constituency.

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