Music, political discourse rally support for Timothy Zimik
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang
Ukhrul, April 20 2024:
With hardly a week to go for the second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections, National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Naga People s Front (NPF), and National People's Party (NPP) alliance hosted a Community Empowerment Summit engaging thousands of people in Ukhrul town on Saturday.
The event, dubbed an Empowerment Summit, combined the power of music and political discourse to rally support for the alliance's consensus candidate, K Timothy Zimik.
A musical collaboration with Tangkhul Music Forum (TMF), the event focused on harnessing the power of music to connect with the community on a deeper level, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
The vibrant atmosphere played host to a diverse audience, eager to partake in the interplay between music, community, and political talks.
As the musical notes filled the air, so too did the spirited voices of political leaders of the tripartite alliance.
Prominent political figures, including Transport and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Minister Khashim Vashum, HAC Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing and former Deputy Speaker Preshaw Shimray, and NPF Manipur Youth Wing president Wungnaoshang A Shimray delivered inspiring speeches.
Phungamla Zimik, wife of consensus candidate K Timothy Zimik, attending the campaign trail on her husband's behalf, also shared her insights into her husband's commitment to run for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Khashim Vashum greeted the gathering with glowing words for Timothy Zimik, describing him as a principled individual known for his integrity.
"I know him from our college days.
He is a man who sticks by disciplines and principles.
I can vouch for his capacity and potentials as the consensus candidate," he stated.
"Today, we have a worthy candidate in Timothy Zimik.
We have a chance to elevate our voice with the support of other communities and we cannot afford to let this rare opportunity slip away," he said, appealing for a collective move to support the candidate mandated by the alliance, the Naga society and the public.
According to Vashum, Tangkhuls have always demonstrated a commitment to supporting candidates in the interest of collective welfare of the Naga people, regardless of tribes in many Lok Sabha elections in the past.
"Tangkhuls have consistently supported candidates from other tribes since the time of former chief minister late Yangmaso Shaiza back in 1977 till the last MP elections," he related, adding that this spirit of unity and cooperation has fostered a reciprocal response today.
At the same time, minister Vashum also came down heavily on irresponsible netizens who engaged in the malicious distortion of facts and the perpetuation of confusion surrounding the consensus candidate.
He urged the gathering to discount such baseless criticism on social media platforms.
Delivering a stirring plea to support her husband candidate, Phungamla Zimik, testified her husband's unwavering commitment to work for the welfare of the people.
"I earnestly appeal to you all to vote for my husband and give him a chance to serve the people," she pleaded.
"I know my husband very well and this allows me to attest to his unwavering character," she proclaimed.
"Although his oratorical skills may not be his forte, I can assure of his unwavering determination when it comes to decision-making and execution".
The event ignited the crowd with a diverse lineup of Tangkhul music icons.
Artists such as Oshim Soho, Yungyung, Thangrei Khanthing, K Remnu, PC Makang and SP Shonshon showcased their vocal prowess, while popular bands such as OKING, IBHK, Featherheads, and Not Funny added to the energetic atmosphere.
Standup comedian Pakmi Mahongnao injected humour into the occasion, and had the crowd in splits with his inimitable style of funny narratives.
Thousands of people including social and political leaders from both Ukhrul and Kamjong districts attended the event.
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