TNL blows poll bugle for NPF; to ban other parties in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, March 26 2014: Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), an apex social institution of the Tangkhul tribe, has charted a dramatic move by embarking on a public and political declaration to support the Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) in the ensuing 16th Lok Sabha polls.

In a public meeting convened in Ukhrul yesterday, TNL issued its directive to the tribesmen to support and cast vote for Soso Lorho, a Lok Sabha candidate of NPF for outer Manipur parliamentary seat.

The meet at TNL public ground was attended roughly by 250 people comprising social activists, village headmen and organisational representatives.

Addressing the meeting, TNL president Artax Shimray said that the Nagas in Manipur has to choose a representative who can raise a voice for the cause of Naga in the august house of Parliament.

He went on to assert its diktat on other political parties and candidates working against the interest of the Nagas, while categorically stating it will not allow them to campaign in Tangkhul areas.

Interestingly, TNL's stance on other parties came late as wide campaigning has already been started in Ukhrul weeks earlier.

An array of campaign flyers, posters, pamphlets and flags of different parties and candidates has already decorated the walls and shops in Ukhrul town and villages.

There were also reports that election campaigning of various parties and candidates has even reached remotest villages of the district.

A number of political conferences and committees pertaining to BJP, JD (U) and Independent candidate Mani Charenamai among others have already been held in Ukhrul town as well.

Artax also read out the United Naga Council (UNC)'s standing resolution adopted on March 19 last to support the NPF in the upcoming parliamentary elections, and later announced TNL's directive of endorsing the stand taken by the apex Naga body.

In an attempt to convince the participating public, Artax reiterated that the over 60-year old Indo-Naga conflict has entered a crucial phase with possible solution at sight from the ongoing dialogue.

He also referred to significant process taken in regard to the demand for ''Alternative Arrangement'' for Nagas in Manipur.

ANSAM president Seth Shatsang, who also spoke during the meet, came down with criticism heavily on former MP Mani Charenamei, who was twice anointed by the apex Naga body, for his reported lingering doubt over the "AA demand" .

The public meeting on Tuesday was also attended by chairmen of four Tangkhul zonal councils and also by presidents of Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) .

However, two leaders from frontal bodies namely the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) and Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL), were conspicuous by their absence from the meeting.

TNL's directive was stamped with endorsement by TSL president Ringluiwon and TMNL president Ningkhan Shangh in their public address.

Comment