Timothy Zimik treasures NDA-NPF-NPP alliance
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, April 12 2024:
Retired IRS K Timothy Zimik, the consensus candidate of Naga People's Front (NPF) for the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha in the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, has expressed belief that the NPF's alliance with two major national political parties, BJP and NPP, will offer great opportunities for him and his party to serve the people, if he got elected as a Member of Parliament.
During his campaign in Ukhrul town on Friday, Zimik announced that being in partnership with the NDA (BJP) and NPP will position him and his party well to work towards progress and development of the state.
"As a consensus candidate of this alliance, I firmly believe that it offers a much brighter future than if I were simply a candidate of NPF.
This will greatly help us in building a strong connection with the Central government to bring positive changes and development for our state and its people".
According to the retired bureaucrat, he has been officially endorsed as the consensus candidate of the alliance for the outer Manipur parliamentary constituency by the high command of the alliance partners.
"This endorsement is not merely a formality or a namesake arrangement, but rather a genuine commitment to achieve positive results and is rooted in the mutual trust of the alliance partners," he said.
Zimik then proudly declared that he has stood up for the common good of the people, stating that as many as 20 tribes of the state, have vowed support to him in the ensuing elections.
He emphasised the critical need for unity and a single voice among the Tangkhul tribe, to which he belongs.
He said that a united front is essential for achieving their goals.
He encouraged the Tangkhul community to come together and stand up for their rights and demand better representation from their leader who this time is the consensus candidate of NDA, NPF and NPP.
"Such is the opportunity for us and it may not come back again," he said, urging the gathering to have a clear conscience in exercising their franchise.
The candidate also challenged the gathering to question his potential and dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities to the people while confidently declaring, "I am ready to fight for my people's rights in Parliament and even willing to sacrifice my life for our cause".
He also drew attention to the enduring effects of the ongoing Naga political issue on the Nagas, stating, "For the past 75 years, we have suffered while fighting for our political issue.
How much longer must we endure?" Concerning the current unrest in the state, he made it clear that resolving the issue and creating a peaceful Manipur is a top priority for him and the alliance.
As a candidate, Zimik also recognised that development is crucial for the people and vowed to make it his priority should he be elected.
"With the support and partnership of NDA and NPP, I see abundant, opportunities to work for development of the people" .
In his appeal to the people, he asked for their support and votes, assuring them that he will not let them down and promised to tirelessly work for their well-being and address their concerns, dedicating himself to their Cause in the name of God.
During his speech on the campaign trail, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai reflected on the hardships that people faced under the then Congress regime.
He called on the community to support the alliance consensus candidate, K-Timothy Zimik, in order to secure their safety and well-being.
He also noted that the upcoming MP elections will be a test of unity of the Tangkhul people.
Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing highlighted the strong foundation of NPF, and how it has come to base on the credibility of the alliance.
He observed that the alliance move will can ensure meaningful representation in Parliament for the various communities of the state.
Former deputy speaker and spokesperson of BJP Manipur Pradesh, MK Preshow Shimray urged the community to support the alliance candidate for the overall growth of the state.
In his address, BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson Asnikumar emphasised the significance of the upcoming elections for the alliance partners.
He pointed out that unlike other elections, there will be no competition between alliance partners, as they are united in their support for the alliance candidate.
Moreover, he acknowledged the strong bond between Nagas and Meiteis, which has been tested during the Congress regime with their divisive strategies.
The alliance is committed to fostering peace between the different communities, he declared.
The event was attended by BJP Manipur vice president Hopingson Awung Shimray, ex-MLA Samuel Risom, TNL president in-charge R Jollyson, NPP Manipur general secretary Rock Lungleng and other notable figures along with representatives from NPF, BJP and NPP.