IMPHAL, May 19 - �Building a regional force is a must for the political freedom of the Northeastern region�, said president of North East India Development Party (NEIDP), Dr Ng Bijoy.
According to him, for giving �political freedom� to the people of the region, there is a need for existence of a �powerful regional-minded political force� which NEIDP is working for.
Addressing a news conference at its office here recently, the former Manipur legislator, who joined the regional party after quitting Congress, said that there is an increase in strength and popularity of the regional political parties in other parts of the country.
�Regional political parties are becoming more and more relevant in various States of the country,� Dr Bijoy said. �This has happened because the national parties are unable to address the problems and issues related to the States,� he observed. He also stated that for a State like Manipur situated in the far corner of the country where the Centre has been neglecting in all fronts, there is a need for a powerful regional party. �As such, when any problem comes up we have to redress it ourselves�, he added.
The NEIDP president said that the regional party was floated to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people of Manipur and the entire Northeastern region. He assured that the party will strive hard to uphold the political, social and economic rights as provided under the Constitution of India.
He stated that the party is committed to the task of building a developed democratic India based on the principle of equal opportunity to all the citizens. �The party is giving special emphasis on improving the condition of socially and economically disadvantaged sections of the society,� he added. Dr Bijoy also said that the party has been pursuing a policy of social and economic justice and development by decentralisation of power so that the fruits of development can be made available to all the citizens.
Former MLA RK Anand, who contested the recently held Lok Sabha elections from Inner Manipur seat, said that in the context of India, people of many States are staying away from national political parties in the last few years.
