NPF hands over ticket to 10 named candidates
'Party rooted in history of Naga people'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 02 2022: NPF tickets were handed over today to 10 candidates who were named in the first list released by the party for the upcoming 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, 2022 .

Tickets were handed over to the candidates by party president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu at a ticket distribution ceremony held at NPF Central Headquarters at Kohima.

Those who received the party ticket include the four sitting members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly-Leishiyo Keishing for 43 Phungyar AC (ST), Khashim Vashum for 45 Chingai AC (ST), Los� Dikho for 48 Mao AC (ST), and Awangbow Newmai for 52 Tamei AC(ST) .

The others are Langhu Paulhring Anal for 41 Chandel AC (ST), Dangsawa Korungthang Maring for 42 Tengnoupal AC (ST), Ram Muivah for 44 Ukhrul AC (ST), Khoho S�le Antony for 47 Karong AC (ST), Francis Ngajokpa for 49 Tadubi AC (ST), Khangthuanang Panmei for 53 Tamenglong AC (ST).

NPF hands over ticket to 10 named candidates

Speaking at the event, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said it was a mammoth task for the party leaders to choose 10 out of the 40 persons who had sought NPF tickets.

The candidates were chosen after numerous rounds of discussion and those who have been denied party tickets are no less qualified than those who have been given tickets, he added.

He also extended his gratitude to those candidates who chose to withdraw their candidature after the party requested them.

Liezietsu hoped that those who were denied the tickets would not misunderstand but rather appreciate the processes that took place which were more or less circumstantial.

"I expect all of you to maintain the true spirit of this political party to the end," he added.

Talking about the historical roots of the party, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu said NPF is deeply rooted in the unique history of the Naga people and added that one of the main objectives of NPF is to work for peace and settlement of the Indo-Naga political problem.

Lok Sabha MP and chairman of the Ticket Selection Committee Dr Lorho S Pfoze told the gathering that the selection of the 10 candidates out of over 40 applicants was a "very tough" exercise.

He said that ahead of finalizing the list, numerous consultations were held with the local community.

While it is a great task achieved, he said, the party, which is about a decade old in Manipur politics, is growing from strength to strength and that the number of people who sought the party ticket shows the impact the party has made over the years.

Speaking at the event, NPF leader TR Zeliang exuded confidence that NPF will play a major role in forming a coalition Government with either BJP or the Congress party after the election.

Speaking to the media, NPF State Unit president Awangbow Newmai said NPF has decided not to form any pre-poll pact with any other parties including its alliance in North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) .

He further clarified that there is no pre-poll alliance between BJP and NPF.

However, the two parties have a very good relationship and the last 5 years has been a great partnership between the two parties, he added.

This however does not mean that BJP and NPF will go hand-in-hand after the election.