Soso Lorho kickstarts poll campaign
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 26 2014: NPF candidate in Outer Manipur P/C Soso Lorho launched his election campaign today at Senapati mini stadium ground.

Speaking at the gathering Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called upon Naga people to ask the Government of India about their future status and demand equal opportunities and entitlements as given to Naga people of Nagaland State.

Rather than confining its agenda to Naga integration alone, NPF should work for peaceful co-existence with neighbouring communities.

NPF should raise this matter with the Government of India.

Stating that only regional parties can form a stable Government, Neiphiu recalled that the North East Regional Parties' Forum was set up on October 28, 2012 .

The front adopted 17 different resolutions to tackle common issues of the region collectively and develop modern infrastructure which are lacking in the region.

Neiphio Rio campaigning with Soso Lorho

Saying that he is the convenor of the front, the Nagaland Chief Minister claimed that NPF is no more Naga exclusive but it is now a political party for the whole North East region.

Noting that 98 per cent of the region's boundary is international boundary while the remaining 2 per cent is shared with India, Neiphiu stated that the Government of India set up North Eastern Council in view of the region's strategic location.

He also underscored the importance of unification of the whole region.

Leaving aside all differences, it's time for unification given the sweeping current of globalization.

Neiphiu Rio stated that the issues and problems facing people of North Eastern region at Delhi should be tackled collectively.

Congratulating Chief Minister O Ibobi on achieving the outstanding record of being elected Chief Minister of Manipur for three consecutive terms, the Nagaland Chief Minister asserted that Ibobi did nothing for the welfare of people even though he managed to please the Congress high command.

But NPF has no such thing like high command.

For all his anti-NPF activities, Ibobi was named enemy number 1 and NPF never said Meiteis were enemies.

Meiteis and Nagas have a long history of being friendly neighbours.

Launching a frontal attack against his Manipur counterpart, Neiphiu Rio said that Ibobi's Government was scheming to subjugate minority communities using divide and rule policy.

There are Kukis in Nagaland and they get the same opportunities as entitled to the Nagas.

This is not the case in Manipur.

It was with a view to address this issue of subjugating and discriminating minority communities that the North East Regional Parties' Forum was set up.

As stated by many experts, the most fundamental issue in the North East region is the Naga issue and its solution.

As such, the key agenda of NPF is to bring a solution to the Naga issue.

When the Naga issue is resolved, there will be peace and security in the region.

In view of these facts, NPF has been working towards finding a solution to the Naga issue since the period of first DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) Government.

Several meetings have been held with leaders of different communities, civil society organisations and political parties.

But opposition Congress party did not those meetings on the pretext they needed permission of the high command.

Claiming that NPF is very strong in Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio said that the party would now go to Parliament with the primary objective of finding a solution to the Naga issue.

Seeking people's support to NPF candidate Soso Lorho, the Nagaland Chief Minister asserted that the ensuing election is some sort of referendum for the party is fielding candidate in three Parliamentary constituencies including one in Manipur.

Soso Lorho said that his first agenda after election would be finding a solution to the Naga issue.

Saying that restoration of social harmony is the best way to address all the plight of people, Soso Lorho pledged that he would work for the backward communities.

Allowing people of Thoubal and Jiribam to vote while denying them right to contest the Lok Sabha election is against the democratic spirit.

Necessary measures would be initiated so that people of Thoubal and Jiribam can contest the Lok Sabha election, Soso Lorho said.

The public rally was also addressed by NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and NPF working committee convenor TR Zeliang.

One Gouro from Hiyanglam too spoke at the meeting.

NPF MLAs of the State L Dikho, Samuel Risom, ST Victor and Alexander Pao were also present at the meeting.

Later, the party's election manifesto was released at the meeting.