NPF Manipur reacts
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, February 15 2013: The Naga People's Front (NPF), Manipur state unit has strongly reacted to the Manipur Cabinet decision of complaining against Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to the Union Home Minister and to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on the recent speech of the Nagaland Chief Minister.

The NPF, Manipur State unit said that actually it should be the other way round as the Manipur Chief Minister is more communal than that of Nagaland.

On February 6, Neiphiu Rio had said during an election campaign that Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh was one of the biggest enemies of the Naga people.

Rio had further said that Ibobi is responsible for suppression of the Nagas.

Reacting to it, the Manipur Cabinet had termed it as a 'hate speech' and took a decision to take the matter to the Union home minister and also to the ECI.

Today, the NPF, Manipur State unit said that there is every reason for Neiphiu Rio for such comment.

The NPF, Manipur State unit secretary Athuan Abonmai while driving home his point had pointed out the May 6, 2010 incident where two students died due to the Manipur state force firing when the State Government of Manipur barred NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his home village Somdal in Ukhrul district.

The NPF also recalled the May 28, 2011 incident when, again, Nagaland the Manipur government strongly opposed Neiphiu Rio from visiting Senapati district headquarters for the launching of the NPF, Manipur unit.

Athuan Abonmai alleged that there have been numerous cases where the state government of Manipur under the leadership of O Ibobi Singh has been working against the Naga people while pleasing the 'majority community of Manipur' .

Calling Neiphiu Rio as the champion of peace, the Manipur unit of NPF secretary said the Nagaland Chief Minister works not only for the Naga people but also for the down trodden section of the society.

It further said Neiphiu Rio has also been working for the welfare of the Nagas in Mynanmar through the government of India.

Athuan Abonmai then said the NPF, Manipur State unit would be compelled to apprise to the Government of India regarding "the communal dealings of Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh" .

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