Naga Peoples Front: Hit And Miss Report Card
- Part 2 -

Aheibam Koireng *

The incumbent NPF President, Awangbow Newmai had two predecessors in G. Gaingam and Soso Lorho. 'Cock', and 'Fide Non Armies' translated as 'By Faith not By Arms' remains the respective election symbol and motto of the NPF since its inception.

The NPF Constitution (6th Amendment 2009) has in the Article II, Clause (2)(c) categorically stated as its aims and objectives: to work for Unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative roof and also to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of the state. Accordingly, NPF has been seeking fortune in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh in terms of pursuing for election to political office.

NPF IN MANIPUR

Notwithstanding the effort made, their presence in Arunachal Pradesh is still to come to visibility. NPF led government in Nagaland had on two occasions, first on 18 December 2003 and latest on 27 July 2015 resolved to demand integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella, and to urge the Government of India to fulfill the same. The NPF Manipur State Unit had welcomed August 03 Framework Agreement of 2015 signed between GoI and NSCN(IM) stating the agreement so signed as a recognition of the Naga's struggle for Self Determination.

On 05 September 2015, all the four NPF MLAs submitted their resignation after the State Assembly passed the three bills for the protection of Manipur people. But all four of them reportedly continued to receive their salaries and entitlements till August 2016. This brings to doubt whether or not their resignation is out of their own free will.

Later, their resignation was accepted on 15 September 2016. The NPF will most likely to have, honourable solution of 'Naga problem' as its main poll plank in the upcoming MAE. The NPF had in the earlier MAE unsuccessfully tried their luck in Henglep Constituency of Churachandpur where there is some presence of Naga and fared badly.

Violence erupted at Churachandpur in the intervening night of 31 August and 01 September 2015 over the controversy of passing three bills for the protection of three bills for the protection of Manipur people leading to the loss of nine civilian lives. Naga cohorts including NPF and UNC, the NPF endorsee in Manipur found the opportune moment in it to flaunt solidarity for the stated cause of 'Tribal Unity' against the 'communal government' of Manipur.

The continuing agitation and the refusal to give a ceremonial burial to those even after the prospects of bill becoming an act is ruled out exposes the intention of those sticking to protest. Outer Manipur Tribal Forum (OMTF) was a joint venture of the Joint Action Committee against Anti Tribal Bill (JACAATB) and UNC with H. Mangchinkhup of JACAATB and Gaidon Kamei of UNC as the respective Chief Convener and Convener formed to collectively stand against 'anti tribal bill'.

Sensing something foul Kukis and Hmars have declared the severing of ties with JACAATB just ahead of observing the second anniversary of the Anti-ILP protest started in 31 August 2015. With it covered rift becomes overt. Many Kukis particularly Thadous had been very critical with the enthusiastic opportunism of the UNC which at one time had the impudence of serving 'Quit Notice' to the Kukis in Manipur Hills.

In fact, those communities who disapprove the movement being piloted by the UNC started dissociating from the JACAATB. The 13 January Lomgmai Noney attack of 2016 at Tamenglong District resulted to the killing of a civilian and injuring three others. The state police held the NSCN(IM) responsible for the attack.

The UNC and later the NSCN(IM) refuted and counter alleged it to be the handiwork of State Police. The allegation seems remote as security arrangement in the area under attack had been in a collaborative effort with the central paramilitary forces. Amidst the refutations and counter allegations, the Vaiphei People's Council (VPC), Paite Tribe Council (PTC), and Mate Tribe Council (MTC) had on 16 January 2016 by withdrawing all their respective nominated members distanced from the JACAATB.

Here, in my earlier writings titled, 'Rumours and Bloody September: Two Episodes', it was speculated that the number of NPF candidates fielded in Churachandpur District might increase at least to two. But following the development after the creation of 07 new districts and the 13 January Longmai Noney attack, it is now almost ruled out.

NPF IN MANIPUR

As of now, NPF took the decision of fielding their candidate in 15 Assembly constituencies, probably all Scheduled Tribes reserved, for forthcoming MAE of 2017. In the last Manipur Autonomous District Council Election of 2015, NPF achieved a modest success little above mediocre.

So far, it remains their only silver lining in the otherwise uncertain outcome of the impendingMAE. Despite, the considerable presence of Naga populace, the NPC will not be imprudent enough to field their candidates in the valley districts, as they have in many trying times and circumstances, shown their resolve to remain fraternally co-existed in Manipur.

If the past experience is of any indication, how far the NPF would not betray its motto, 'By Faith not By Arms' this time in its pursuit for coming election is a question worth pondering and could be anticipated through the opinion poll by this esteemed media.

Concluded....