Imphal, February 06: In a sudden development, the consensus independent candidates of the United Naga Council (UNC) who are in the fray for the forthcoming 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections have formed an alliance christened, �United Naga Democratic Front, (UNDF)� with S Kho John as its convenor who will operate in consultation with the UNC.

The Front will also have a common flag and common election symbol.

Revealing this development to Newmai News Network late last night, the United Naga Democratic Front leaders said that the colour of the flag will be blue while its symbol will be a candle.

The statement signed by nine consensus Independent candidates of the United Naga Council said that the alliance will operate as pre-poll and post-poll alliance in order to achieve the �common manifesto� as announced in the UNC�s Position Paper.

The statement said, �We the undersigned Independent candidates chosen by the Naga people represented by UNC to contest in the election to the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly, 2007 as UNC�s consensus candidates have resolved to constitute the alliance named United Naga Democratic Front�.

The nine signatories of the UNC�s consensus candidates include Samuel Jendai of Tamenglong Assembly Constituency, Danny Shaiza of Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, Wungnaoshang Keishing of Phungyar A/C, Dr Khasim Ruivah of Chingai A/C, Awangbow Newmei of Tamei A/C, RV Shirang of Karong A/C, K Raina of Tadubi A/C, S Kho John of Mao A/C and Morung Makunga of Tengnoupal Assembly Constituency.

According to its convenor, S Kho John the signatures of the UNC�s consensus Independent candidates from Nungba A/C and Chandel A/C are yet to be obtained as he is too pre-occupied with his election task.

The UNDF further satte that the alliance will operate in and outside the Assembly after being elected to achieve the objective of the manifesto.

Important points of the manifesto include that the alliance will mobilise the peoples for fullest support to the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue for an honourable solution and to provide leadership to society in nation building.

Another point of the manifesto states that the UNDF will work to fulfill the inherent and democratic aspiration of the Naga people for unification of all Naga homeland and to promote common interests of all the ethnic communities in the state.