NPF optimistic of poll prospects in the state
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Imphal, September 18 2011:
Inspite of the daunting challenges from different quarters including stiff opposition from the Okram Ibobi government, the Naga People's Front (NPF) is optimistic of its prospect in the State assembly polls scheduled February next year and to take its electoral fight even to the Imphal valley.
Embarking on a steadfast preparation for the upcoming elections in Manipur, political advisor to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and former NLA speaker, Z Lohe had wrapped up his Manipur visit after taking stock of the situation regarding the party's poll preparedness on Saturday last.
He was accompanied by legal advisor to Nagaland Chief Minister, Timikha Koza and NPF Central Vice President, Zaku Tsukru.
According to the NPF official sources, Lohe met some Independent Naga MLAs and held confidential talks on Friday evening after his return from tour to Tamenglong district.
Prior to his departure yesterday morning, he also met the state unit functionaries over breakfast at Dewlahland.
In the hustings next year, the NPF is also weighing options of taking its electoral fight even in the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley.
"The party has received a good response from some segments in the Imphal valley.
There are proposal from five assembly constituencies - Keirao, Heingang, Wankhei, Thangmeiband and Sagoldband, for NPF tickets," said NPF Ukhrul division general secretary Ngatangmi.
"We are open to work with everyone, and won't deny anyone willing to join the party," he added.
The NPF, however, admits facing adversity from other communities in Manipur.
"The party is seriously on a campaign to convince and make their position clear to the people," stated Yangmi, an NPF party functionary.
"We are just apprehensive that this factor may derail our ride in the state" .
On Lohe's visit to Tamenglong, Ngatangmi stated that "The presence of party's high functionaries was exigent in the area for the poll preparation, and he has done the other needful as well" .
He also said, "Lohe has exuded confidence and optimistic of faring well in the upcoming elections in Manipur" .
The NPF, according to an insider source, is likely to field 11 candidates in the four Naga dominated hill districts.
"The party expects to bag at least nine seats," it said.
"There is a wrong view that NPF is a political party with a leaning on Naga interest.
This is not the case.
It is a regional political party to serve the public without any differences," clarified Yangmi.
However, on Friday the local media quoted Lohe as saying, "Naga People's Front is pro NSCN: IM, NSCN: K and NNC, as they are brothers and work for the Nagas.
"If you want to untied suppression from Manipur government NPF is here to protect yourself from such suppression"."
In fact, the launching of NPF in Manipur in mid of this year was strongly opposed not only by the Ibobi Singh government, but also by some valley-based organizations which claimed it to be a force for disintegration of the state.
NPF has also said that the issues of assembly elections and the subsequent allotment of party tickets have not been officially discussed at the state level till today.
However the party is fully engaged in mobilisation at the divisional level in an endeavour to strengthen the party towards its aims and objects.
Given this situation, the Manipur unit of NPF secretary in charge of political affairs Ningreingam Ruivah appeals to all office bearers of both the state level and the divisional level and others to refrain from making any unauthorised comment or observation on the matter.
"Therefore, this statement is necessitated to dispel all misgivings and doubts in the larger interest of the party in particular and the public in general, that, all such important issues will be properly dealt with when the time comes," Ningreingam Ruivah said.
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