NPF gives it back word for word to State Govt
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Senapati, February 18 2014 : Nephiu Rio and Ibobi Singh are in the centre of media attention once again with the NPF and the State Government of Manipur busy engaging in a verbal war.

The Nagaland Chief Minister's speech at the Nagas' seed sowing festival Lui-Ngai-Ni in Tamenglong on February 15 has been kicking up a ruckus.

On Tuesday, the NPF, Manipur State unit general secretary Athuan Abonmai said Ibobi Singh is the Chief Minister only in the valley while Neiphiu Rio is advocating the cause of the North East people.

Abonmai was reacting to Manipur Government spokesman M Okendro's comment of Monday where the latter had condemned Rio's Tamenglong speech while accusing the Nagaland Chief Minister of inciting hate among the various ethnic communities of Manipur.

Nephiu Rio and Ibobi Singh

On February 15, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had reportedly said that Chief Minister of Manipur O Ibobi 'is an enemy' of the Nagas, according to M Okendro.

Neiphiu Rio had also said Meiteis are not the enemies of the Nagas but neighbours.

On Monday, Manipur Government spokesman and Education Minister M Okendro had defended O Ibobi Singh, saying the Manipur Chief Minister 'is a leader who does not want to compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur and, that he is a man who loves all the communities with equal treatment'.

Okendro also had said the people should not be misguided by such statements by Rio because the Nagaland Chief Minister knows nothing about Ibobi.

Reacting to the Manipur Government today, NPF leader Athuan Abonmai said Ibobi Singh is the chief minister only in the valley.

"He does not represent Manipur hills," stated the NPF leader.

Citing a case, the NPF leader said Ibobi had tried his best not to accept the genuine census data of Mao-Maram-Paomata-Purul areas of Senapati district.

"Because if the population is increaed five assembly seats will be increased in the hill districts," pointed out Athuan abonmai.

He also accused Ibobi of being communal when the latter had banned Neiphiu Rio from entering Manipur in 2011 .

"A chief minister banning another chief minister from entering one's state is not communal then what is more communal?" wonders Athuan Abonmai.

Athuan Abonmai then said Neiphiu Rio is the convenor of North East Regional Parties Front (NERPF) advocating the cause of the whole North East region.

"Recently, Rio had gone to Delhi and strongly apprised the racial attack cases to the Central leaders while Ibobi Singh is still busy pleasing his so called high command by terming the Delhi episodes as otherwise," pointed Athuan Abonmai.