NPF calls Gaikhangam, Rishang 'wolves in sheepskin'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 20 2013:
Reacting to the statement of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam terming it as "anti-Manipur", Naga People's Front (NPF) has divulged that Gaikhangam, who is also the President of MPCC, was one of the signatories among Naga MPs and MLAs of the State in the memorandum on Naga Integration submitted to the Prime Minister of India on May 27, 2005 .
A release of the NPF issued by Secretary Athuan Abonmai said that Gaikhangam is a staunch supporter of Naga Integration and Naga National Agenda.
However, he is speaking against the Naga issues just for the sake of retaining his chair as President of MPCC and building up a bold image as a Deputy Chief Minister to please major community in the State.
The NPF further claimed that Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam would support the cause of Naga people in a clandestine manner as done earlier.
Slamming veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishang for his intention to wipe out NPF from the State, NPF further pointed out that Rishang was once the head of United Naga Integration Council which merged with All India Congress Committee (AICC) in 1972 on the condition that the Congress Party would not oppose Naga integration in any way.
His supposed "anti-Naga" statement was given out of his desire to get re-elected to Rajya Sabha with his old tricks to befool MLAs and major community, the release mentioned.
The NPF further termed both Gaikhangam and Rishang Keishang as "political chameleons" who change their colours according to time and situation; and warned people to be cautious against such "wolves in sheepskin" .
The Party also condemned Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam for using the derogatory word "Hao" meaning tribal in Manipuri language during the proceedings of State Legislative Assembly.
Gaikhangam has no more moral responsibility to continue holding the office of Deputy Chief Minister, the NPF contended.