Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Wednesday awarded party tickets to 10 candidates from Manipur for the forthcoming 12th Manipur Assembly Election. The NPF ticket distribution ceremony was held at NPF Central Office, Kohima.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent and Solomon Sha, TFM Representative
Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader and former chief minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang on Wednesday said that NPF will be ‘kingmaker’ in the formation of the next government in Manipur. He exuded confidence that NPF candidates in Manipur, when elected, will go by the directive of the NPF Central Office. “If we put our heads together, we will surely win,” he said.
Zeliang said this at the NPF ticket distribution function held in Kohima on Wednesday. He also wished the best to the candidates for the ensuing 12th Manipur Manipur Assembly election. The party tickets were handed over to the candidates by former chief minister and NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu.
The candidates who received NPF party tickets include–41 Chandel A/C- Langhu Paulhring Anal, 42 Tengnoupal A/C- Dangsawa Korungthang, Maring, 43 Phungyar A/C- Leishiyo Keishing, 44 Ukhrul A/C- Ram Muivah, 45 Chingai A/C- Khashim Vashum, 47 Karong A/C- Khoho Siile Anthony, 48 Mao A/C- Losii Dikho, 49 Tadubi A/C- M. Francis Ngajokpa, 52 Tamei A/C- Awangbow Newmai and 53 Tamenglong A/C- Khangthuanang Panmei.
Besides Shurhozelie Liezietsu and TR Zeliang, leader of NPF Legislature Party, Lorho S. Pfozhe, MP Lok Sabha (Manipur) and chairman Ticket Selection Committee and Samuel Ritsom, working president and chairman Election Committee NPF Manipur state unit also spoke at the function.
The function was chaired by NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon while MLA Y Vikheho Swu and Legislature in-charge NPF Manipur State Unit delivered the welcome address. Vote of thanks was given by NPF central working president Apong Pongener.
‘Indo-Naga’ political issue must be solved through political and human approach: Liezietsu
“Today, we have already issued party tickets to 10 NPF leaders who are considered to be the right candidates to fight the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections, said Liezietsu and congratulated them for getting the ticket.
“Party ticket is a license given which will earn you a good deal of goodwill to come into contact with your electorates in seeking their support and blessings. It is a license to recognize you as a leader of this regional political party which also serves as a kind of certificate under the election law,” he said.
“It is not just a piece of paper to allow you to contest the elections but it is a responsibility thrown upon your shoulder to see that you bring laurels to the party, Liezietsu said adding that the prayer of all party leaders will be with them. He said that over fifty eight years ago, the NPF as it is known today was birthed in the midst of violence, bloodshed and turbulent circumstances as the first ever registered political party in Nagaland.
Today, he said, this regional party stands the oldest regional political party in the Northeast and the second oldest regional political party in the country. Taking on party symbol ‘Cock,’ Liezietsu said “Our party’s manifesto of 1974 says the Cock symbolizes the Herald of a New Dawn’ of Peace and a Quest for new frontiers towards creating understanding for reconciliation among all people by taking initiative to heal the deepest human wounds through method of peaceful approach. No pain shall be spared to transform Nagaland from a state of high fences, escorts and bodyguards into a welfare state in which every citizen shall be able to live and move freely and proudly without fear for life or property merely because of his or her political views.”
Stating that NPF party was founded to safeguard the interest of our people in various fronts and to help ensure a secured future for our children, he said “Therefore, this party is deeply rooted in the unique history of the Naga people. One of our main objectives is to work for peace and settlement of the long standing Indo-Naga political problem. Article II, Clause 2(a) of our Constitution says, “to work and assist in any possible manner on any approach for a peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, thereby moving towards a renaissance of Naga brotherhood by making constant appeal to Naga conscience within and without.”
Also stating that Naga people want peace and “we deserve it,” the NPF appealed the conscience of the conflicting parties to respect the wishes of the people for a political settlement.
“Since we are not a conflicting party, we can only assist in any possible manner to facilitate the process as our Constitution says,” he said. The Indo-Naga political problem must be solved through political and human approach, he said.
Besides, NPF is the regional political party that represents the identity and the personality of the Naga people. It is also the party to preserve the culture, heritage and traditions of our people, he added.
“As members of this political party, each one of us has the responsibility to see that we stand by the principle of our party and play our role sincerely. If we fail to play our role as demanded, posterity will judge us,” he added.