Congress MLA joins NPF ahead of polls in Manipur

Our Correspondent
Senapati, Jan. 5 (EMN): In a major boost to the Naga People’s Front (NPF) party in poll-bound Manipur, Congress MLA D Korunthang, who resigned as member of Manipur Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, joined the regional party along with other leaders on Wednesday.

A reception programme was held to accord the new members at the NPF, Manipur State Unit (MSU) office in Senapati district headquarters.

Korungthang was the sitting MLA from 42 Tengnoupal Assembly Constituency (AC) until he resigned on Monday. He was also the working president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).

Addressing the reception programme, NPF party Secretary General, Achumbemo Kikon expressed happiness and welcomed Korungthang, former minister and BJP member Francis Ngajokpa and host of other leaders to the party.

Kikon told the gathering that the NPF party stood for the ‘downtrodden people’ and believed in peaceful co-existence with all the neighbouring communities.

He maintained that the party, which was formed in 1963, is one of the oldest regional political parties in the country that has sustained for the past five decades and ‘grown from strength to strength’.

He reminded out that the party entered Manipur state in 2011, had fought two elections, and currently has four seats in the state Assembly. He exuded hope that the party will double the strength in the upcoming 2022 state assembly election.

He asserted that the NPF party had proven wrong to the critics and has been focusing on the peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue.

He pointed out that peace and congenial environment are prerequisites for development and ‘the NPF party has been delivering that to the people of Manipur’.

‘People have confidence in NPF’

Meanwhile, the president of NPF Manipur State Unit (MSU) and Minister, Awangbow Newmai, informed the gathering about the procedure of joining the party and added that the people of Manipur have ‘full confidence’ on the party.

He maintained that the NPF wants peace and good relations with everyone, and believes in each individual’s rights to bring about peace in the society. He added that the party believes in negotiations and to bring about solutions.

He claimed that it is only because of the NPF party that Manipur Legislative Assembly could complete its term and run a stable government.

He lauded the decision of the new members and welcomed them to the party.

Korunthang, in his speech, said that the NPF had brought about peace and expressed hope that the party members would work together for the betterment of the people in the state.

Former minister Francis also spoke at the event.

The programme was attended by Manipur’s Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Dr. Lorho Pfoze; Minister for PHED, Printing and Stationery, Government of Manipur, Losii Dikho; Chairman of Hill Areas Committee (HAC), K Leishiyo; delegations from NPF Central Office; and other party functionaries.