NPF Central team led by Former Chief Minister of Nagaland and President of NPF Shürhozelie Liezietsü along with Secretary General of NPF, Achumbemo Kikon, Former Speaker of NLA and incumbent MLA, Chotisuh Sazo and MLA of NLA, Y. Vikheho Swu along with ranks and files of NPF Central Team and Manipur State Unit attended the campaign programme at Ukhrul District Headquarters.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Leaders of Naga People’s Front (NPF) Central Team and Manipur State Unit campaigned for NPF candidates of 43-Phungyar, 44-Ukhrul and 45-Chingai Assembly Constituencies on Saturday at Ukhrul District Headquarters.
Speaking at the campaign programme, Former Chief Minister of Nagaland and President of NPF Central Kohima, Shürhozelie Liezietsü stated that “NPF is a political party for all of us. We can see many Nagas in other political parties, I should say they are “misadventures”. Why follow other parties when we have our own. When the Government of Manipur under Congress rule passed three Anti-people Bill, four of our MLAs had to resign and sacrifice for the people in protest against the Anti-people Bills and also the resolution taken against the Naga political cause. But these MLAs were defeated in 2017 election and people instead elected Congress candidates. Is that not a mistake? Let us not repeat that mistake again in 2022. When Congress Party passed a resolution against Naga solution, why elect a candidates from that party who is against Naga solution in 2017? Let us not forget the sacrifice NPF have made for the cause of Nagas. Please show your support and recognition to NPF for the sacrifices they have made. I know, 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency lacks in development, why introduce new face when Khashim Vashum, the incumbent MLA can do so much for the area. Same goes with 43-Phungyar Assembly Constituency. Please bring back this two gentlemen in the forthcoming election. I also appeal the voters of 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency to elect Ramnganing Muivah in the forthcoming election, for I believe he can do so much for the people. Let us not make a mistake again by electing candidates from other parties.”
Shürhozelie Liezietsü earnestly appealed to the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts and to the Tangkhul leaders and people to support and elect the three candidates of NPF in the forthcoming Manipur State Legislative Assembly Election 2022. He also requested the intending candidates of ADC from NPF party to work hard for the success of the party.
“We are with BJP in Manipur State, we might be slow in our decision but we stand with our decision. We have saved Biren led government twice in his last tenure. The association of that spirit still prevails today although not in any writing or documents form. We are deathly against CAB and AFSPA and we stand for immediate removal or repeal of AFSPA in the whole north east. North east is not a station ground for Indian Army. This Act must go.”
Secretary General of NPF, Achumbemo Kikon stated that “NPF is for Nagas and every ethnic communities settling in Naga inhabited areas. NPF is also for bridging the gap between hills and valley and our neighbours. NPF is here to represent the aspirations, visions of the Naga people and downtrodden communities. Tangkhul has been magnanimous in electing two NPF MLAs in the last election and today I appeal everyone to elect three NPF MLAs in the forthcoming 2022 Manipur State Legislative Assembly Election 2022 to strengthen and further our cause.”
He added that “NPF will be the one deciding the formation of Government and driving the force. To do this we need to elect more NPF MLAs. The NPF ticket holders has the blessing of NPF party and is only the official candidate of NPF.”
Former Speaker of NLA and incumbent MLA, Chotisuh Sazo stated that ‘NPF has withstood all forces that have come out to wipe its vision, ideas and principles. NPF is not only for Nagas but for all tribals. NPF is for bringing permanent internal peace and good relationship with Government of India. NPF also stands for the integration of all Nagas and to bring an honourable and amicable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga peace talk.”
“Let us re-elect the incumbent NPF MLAs for they have played a significant role in safeguarding the interest of the Naga people even though they are few in numbers. Let us elect all NPF ticket holders to strengthen our cause and safeguard our identity. Let us support NPF candidate once again in the forthcoming Manipur State Legislative Assembly Election 2022 for our future posterity.
“In order to keep regional influence, check and balance the influence of national political parties, let us support NPF and elect NPF candidates in forthcoming Manipur election.”
MLA of Nagaland, Y. Vikheho Swu stated that “I have fond memories with Ukhrul. I was elected as President of NSF in Ukhrul, I was here in 1990s bringing the lifeless body of my friend, Yaopei, an advocate from Tangkhul community who was shot in Dimapur. I promised that day, I would come back to Ukhrul again for a better cause. Today, I am here in front of you to strengthen the cause of Nagas. To draw a roadmap, to forge out a vision for a better future of Nagas. The transition from NPC to NPF is all for safeguarding the interest of the entire Naga people across artificial boundaries. Tangkhuls have produced remarkable national workers, politician, educationist and bureaucrats; NPF needs you to lead the Nagas once again in the political front. We have seen the changes in 2012 to 2017 and now we have entered 2022. We have seen the better relationship between the hills and valley in the past years and it is because of the contribution made by NPF.”
He recalled the Oting incident whereby Indian security armed forces has brutally murdered 14 innocent civilians in the guise of AFSPA. This draconian Act must go. NPF is the only political party that can bring changes and protect our rights and identity. He also thanked Samuel Risom and Maranchan Luikham, an NPF ticket seekers from 44-Ukhrul Assembly Constituency for taking the decision to support the ticket holders Ram Muivah in the forthcoming election.
Hundreds of supporter attended the campaign programme. Unit leaders of NPF and supporters from far flung and nearby villages attended the said programme.