Manipur Forest Minister Awangbow Newmai, who is also the NPF state unit president, said it is time to rise and speak in a common platform - NPF - a political party that stands for peace.
The minister was speaking at a mass campaign for NPF candidate Khangthuanang Panmei at the mini stadium, Tamenglong, on Thursday. He said that the NPF is a political party with a common platform for all tribal people, particularly the Nagas.
"It is time to rise, awake and realise to speak in a common platform," he said, adding that "every community desire to live with dignity and peace, and give respect to each others’ aspirations to live together in peace and harmony".
Minister Awangbow further sought support and cooperation for the candidate, as hundreds of people assembled at Haipou Jadonang Park and staged a rally where a public meeting was held. Holding the Naga flag, they shouted slogans in support of Khangthuanang Panmei.
Also Read: BJP making false promises with hollow manifesto: Jairam Ramesh
Awangbow called upon all citizens of Tamenglong to cast their votes for NPF to safeguard their rights and for bringing more development.
Nagaland Forest and Environment Minister YM Yellow, who attended the function, said Tamenglong district in Manipur can be included as a part of the Look East Policy of the Central government.
Tamenglong district headquarters can be a place where Naga national workers can take shelter, he said.
"Naga people love peace and harmony under one roof of administration, but it has been divided into small groups. While struggling for self determination, the Naga people need a representative to speak out the right words," he said.
Also Read: Nomination of NPP candidate Lunkhopao Haokip rejected; 56 candidates have criminal antecedents
Coming down heavily on the BJP, he alleged that many pastors have been beaten to death; many churches were burnt down by BJP workers and moreover, the Naga issue has not been solved yet.
“If you consider yourself a Naga, you should not vote for the BJP but vote for the Naga People’s Front... If the BJP government continues to rule, the Nagas will lose their land, right and identity,” Central Naga People’s Front working president Samuel Risom said at the occasion.
The Duiluan dance troupe performed traditional war dance and enthralled the gathering. Sangrungpang women dance troupe also performed a beautiful traditional dance to entertain the gathering.
