NPF, Manipur gears up for ADC polls
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, February 25 2015:
Although the date for conducting elections to Autonomous District Council (ADC) is yet to be announced officially, the Naga People's Front (NPF), Manipur State Unit has begun preparation for the ADC polls.
In this regard, an emergency meeting of the NPF, Manipur was held at Senapati today with three top central leaderships of NPF.
The 'closed door' meeting of the NPF was attended by NPF unit leaders from Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati.
The meeting was also attended by State leaders of the party including its Youth and Women's wings.
According to NPF source, the programme was chaired by former MLA K Raina, vice-president NPF Manipur unit.
Speeches were also delivered by Zaku Tsiikri, vice- president, NPF, TN Mannen, advisor NPF, Huska Yepthomi, working president central (in-charge of Manipur) and former MLA Awangbow Newmai, president NPF Manipur unit.
The meeting resolved three important decisions including, reaffirming the leadership of Dr Sherhoziele as the NPF president and TR Zeliang as the Chief Minister of Nagaland.
It also resolved to participate in the forthcoming Manipur ADC elections with agendum to fight for tribal rights and support the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process and help in expediting it.
The members also condemned the attack on the residence of Nagaland Minister Dr Benjongliba and Deo Nakhu, Parliamentary Secretary, GoN.
According to Manipur NPF President Awangbow Newmai, the party has begun its preparation for the upcoming ADC elections which is likely to be held before May, 2015 .
The NPF, as per the resolution adopted on Feb 2, 2015 executive meeting, has decided to participate in the election to address various needs and fight for tribal rights in Manipur and also work for bringing peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga issue.
"We have begun mobilization of voters and will intensify in the coming months to fully prepare for local self Government which is facing many issues due to non-devolution of powers," the former MLA added.
However, the NPF leader refused to comment if UNC or NSCN-IM or civil bodies will decide to boycott the said election.
Awangbow further stated that the party will ensure free and fair conduct of the ADC elections and will do its best to prevent manipulation and tampering of EVMs.
The party will take up precautionary measures to prevent alleged tampering and manipulation of EVMs as was witnessed earlier.
The party will expose the misrule of the present Ibobi led Congress Government in case the NPF achieves electoral triumph in the coming ADC polls.
It will also vigorously fight for the devolution of power which is denied by the State Government.
He further said that participating in the ADC elections will facilitate its fight for justice to the tribals of Manipur while expressing strong confidence of winning many seats.
The party will contest all the possible seats of the Hill districts of Manipur.