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Political parties oppose opening of NPF unit

By Sobhapati Samom

IMPHAL, May 27 � A day after all political parties strongly opposed the proposed launching of Nagaland�s ruling political party Naga People�s Front (NPF) unit in Manipur�s Senapati district on May 28, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh chaired a Cabinet meeting to discuss the issue today.

But it could not be ascertained what had been discussed as the meet was on till the filing of this report.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Nagaland Minister for Planning and NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu led Nagaland political delegation is scheduled visit Senapati, 60 km north of Imphal on Saturday to formally launch the NPF�s Manipur unit.

Senior opposition leader O Joy appealed the NPF leaders to withdraw their move besides urging those from Manipur to resign from the party.

�Recognition of NPF by Election Commission of India (ECI) is unconstitutional. We will challenge the recognition by ECI in the Supreme Court�, he added.

A meeting of all political parties in Manipur yesterday has opposed the opening of Naga People�s Front (NPF) unit in Manipur.

The meeting held at the Chief Minister�s Secretariat here was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh (Congress), Th Debendra Singh (Congress), Gaikhangam (Congress), P Parijat Singh (CPI), Sarat Salam (CPI-M), Yumnam Ratan Singh (CPI-M), Radhabinod Koijam (NCP), Ch Ajang Khongsai (NPP) and O Joy (MPP).

A press communique signed by O Ibobi Singh said the meeting studied the aims and objects of the NPF enumerated in its constitution and pointed out the article II(2)(c) which states: �To work for unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga- inhabited areas under one administrative roof and also to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of the State.�

Reacting to this particular article, the political parties� meeting said that this provision challenges the territorial integrity of neighbouring Northeastern States like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. �On this count, opening of the NPF unit in Manipur State at Senapati is strongly opposed by the meeting as it would lead to instability of Manipur and spread disharmony among different communities therein.�

The meeting pointed out the NPF article X(A)(1) which states, �Any citizen of Nagaland who subscribes to the principles of the Nagaland People�s Front (NPF) shall be eligible for primary membership of the party.�

Reacting to this article, the meeting today said, �It is thus clear that membership of NPF will extend only to the citizens of Nagaland and to no others. In the circumstances the proposed launching of the NPF unit at Senapati will tantamount to extension of the territory of Nagaland into Manipur and other Northeastern States to further the demand for creation of Greater Nagaland.�

The meeting also decided to send a copy each of the resolution to the Prime Minister, the AICC chief, the Union Home Minister, the Election Commission of India and to all the Chief Ministers of the North- eastern States.

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