Sinakeithei blesses MP aspirant Timothy Zimik
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang
Ukhrul, November 06 2023:
On November 4, hundreds of residents from Sinakeithei village in Ukhrul assembly constituency gathered at the village public ground to bestow their blessings, love, and support upon K Timothy Zimik, the intending candidate for the 18th Lok Sabha Election in 2024 .
The highlight of the blessing ceremony was the Sokhami Otsin, an administration of blessings for Timothy Zimik, officiated by Reverend Ramyothing Phungshok of Sinakeithei Baptist Church (SBC) .
Sinakeithei, located about 70 km southwest of Ukhrul town, is a historic village founded by Naga visionary leader late R Suisa back in 1933, and constituted by settlers from 20 different Tangkhul villages.
The ceremony had turnout of local villagers, as well as friends and well-wishers of K Timothy Zimik from other districts like Senapati, Noney, and Tamenglong.
During the ceremony, also attended by his spouse, Phungamla Zimik, K Timothy, a retired IRS officer, shared the motivating story behind his decision to run for the MP election from the Outer Manipur constituency.
He recounted that two years ago, he made a personal commitment to dedicate himself to work for the greater good of the people, rather than for any personal or family benefits.
He emphasised that the Indo-Naga peace process is a top priority in his political agenda, and he would urge the Central government to expedite the resolution of the Naga political issue.
According to Zimik, while the signing of the historic Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, brought great excitement to the Naga people, some of the issues still appear to be unresolved.
With this challenging task, Zimik expressed his commitment to understanding the aspirations of the Naga people, recognising their rights and concerns, and promised to actively work towards a peaceful settlement of the issue if elected as MP.
He also highlighted a range of pressing issues concerning the state's tribal population, including land ownership and protection, mineral rights, the legitimate claims of hill people for an equitable share of the state's resources, quality education, youth employment, and other development issues in Manipur.
Timothy Zimik expressed his gratitude to the people of Sinakeithei village for then-support and encouragement, stating that it gave him the strength and courage to enter the upcoming MP elections.
Speaking on the occasion, NPF Sinakeithei president Alexander Muivah, social worker Worthington Mahung, and MESS principal V Khamrang urged the public to look beyond individual candidates and elect a candidate who can address their needs.
Muivah revealed that Timothy is seeking the NPF platform for the forthcoming 18th Lok Sabha elections.
However, he encouraged the public to rise above party-line politics and support Timothy collectively.
Mahung observed that Timothy is set to be the successor of R Suisa.
He stated, "The tribal population in the state is facing discrimination in development, politics, economy, and occupation, and this must be thwarted with the right intervention of capable leaders".
The event also featured musical performances by popular Tangkhul singers Oshim SW and Shonshon SP .