NPF dubs Gaikhangam a hypocrite, fires salvo
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 20 2013: In the core of his heart, Gaikhangam is a staunch supporter of Naga integration and Naga national agenda and he is just playing a hide and seek game in Manipur politics to save his position, alleged a statement issued by NPF Manipur State unit today.

Reacting to Gaikhangam's recent barrage of remonstrations directed against NPF, the party's State unit said that it understood the circumstances in which Gaikhangam was speaking like he was the custodian of Manipur integrity because he wanted to continue as MPCC (I) president, build his image as Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, and he has ambition to topple Chief Minister O Ibobi.

For these reasons, Gaikhangam has to do everything possible to please the majority community.

Pointing out that Gaikhangam was one of the signatories in the memorandum on Naga integration submitted to the Prime Minister of India on May 27, 2005 by Naga MPs and MLAs of Manipur, NPF said that it appreciates his 'balancing act' in a complex political situation like Manipur.

"Gaikhangam is a Congress leader who also believes in the principle of blood is thicker than water and ultimately he will support Naga cause, may be in clandestine manner as done earlier", NPF asserted.

Reacting to MP Rishang Keishing's assertion that NPF should be wiped out from the soil of Manipur, NPF questioned whether he wants to wipe out NPF from Manipur or wipe out Congress from Naga areas.

"It was the outburst of an old man and we still respect him because he was the architect of Naga integration", asserted the NPF statement.

In the merger agreement signed between the United Naga Integration Council headed by Rishang Keishing and AICC in 1972, it was mentioned that the Congress party would not oppose Naga integration issue as it was constitutional, legal and in national interest.

Maintaining that NPF is building upon the foundation laid down by Rishang Keishing, NPF questioned as to why he is opposing the party which is promoting the core issue of the Nagas that he had founded.

Quoting Gaikhangam's reported statement given in the State Assembly "Hao of the Hills are poorer than the Hao of the valley", NPF again asked as to why the Deputy Chief Minister preferred to use such a derogatory term (Hao) in the Assembly.

Being unparliamentary language, it should be removed from the proceedings of the House, it demanded.

Gaikhangam should immediately resign from the Ministership if he has the sense of moral responsibility.

Maintaining that NPF is committed to Naga solution, it said that it does not need correction or advise from pseudo leaders like Gaikhangam or Rishang Keishing who have been wolves in sheep's clothing in the arena of Manipur politics.

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