Raphei Wungnao hosts meet with Timothy Zimik
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, February 27 2024:
Raphei Wungnao, the village headmen's association of northern Ukhrul, hosted a meeting with Timothy Zimik, an intending candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, at Ngahui village under Chingai sub-division on Monday.
Interacting with the association members at the meeting, Timothy Zimik stated that people in the hill districts are facing the pressing issues of poverty and backwardness.
He identified continued disparity in budget allocation for the hill areas by successive governments in the state as the root cause of these problems.
He said that human resources and land are important for the hill people and urged for the transformation of the hill lands into economic hotspots, paving way for economic upliftment of the rural population.
In his efforts to support the livelihood of the rural population, Zimik said that he has asked the state government to allocate a sum of Rs 2000 crore for agro forest, horticulture, and other similar initiatives in the hill areas.
He also highlighted the need to amend the Manipur Village Authority Act of 1956 and urged for a steady flow of funds from the government to village authorities, in order to improve village administration.
On the protracted Naga political issue, Zimik stated that with all other issues contained in the Framework Agreement being resolved, the Naga national flag and constitution are the only remaining contentious topics.
He then expressed his willingness to contribute towards finding a resolution for this age-old issue, given a chance to serve as the MR Speaking to the media on the sidelines of meeting, Raphei Wungnao chairman Somi Kasomwo explained that the rationale for organising the meeting was to invite Zimik for a personal visit to the Raphei region in order for him to witness the backwardness and challenges faced by the local people.
"Without experiencing the living conditions of the people firsthand, he may not fully comprehend the difficulties faced by the people of Raphei region,'' he said.
He continued that through the meeting, the association hoped to provide insight into Zimik's potential as a candidate, giving the people the opportunity to make an informed decision on whether to support him or not.
"We are pleased to observe that Zimik displayed genuine concern for the welfare of the people and has a strong energy to serve the people," Kasomwo said.
He informed that Raphei Wungnao, represents 45 villages, and out of this, 26 villages represented by their respective headmen, chairmen, and other representatives attended the meeting.
According to Kharingyo Shimrah, vice president of NPF Ukhrul division, Timothy Zimik is one of the most deserving candidates currently vying for the party 's ticket for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
He emphasised on the significance of the upcoming MP elections for the Naga community and urged the Naga public to support a candidate who is capable of securing their safe future, while also stressing the importance of choosing a candidate who can equally cater to the needs and interests of all communities in the outer Manipur constituency.
According to Shimrah, the impending delimitation process makes it a crucial juncture for the Nagas, and in such a scenario, it is the responsibility of the Nagas themselves to determine their future course of action.
"Our future is in our hands," he said and appealed to all Naga electorates to support a consensus candidate, regardless of their political party affiliation.
He also affirmed the stand of the NPF, stating that the party will only extend support to the candidate who secures the party's ticket and receives their blessings.
The event was punctuated by musical performances from Tangkhul singer Yarshim Wungsek and students of Credential Mission School, Ngahui.
A public interactive session was also held during the meeting which drew hundreds of people from the region.
NPF Ukhrul Division president C Shem and NPF Chingai unit president Shimreingam Zimik along with their colleagues also attended the event.
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