Imphal, April 04 2009: Stating that the election to the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency to be held on April 16 is a crucial election for the Nagas to save and protect their land and rights, PDA candidate for the Outer seat and sitting MP Mani Charenamei has urged the voters to have vision in exercising their franchise.

Addressing an election campaign at Tangkhul Naga Long ground in Ukhrul district headquarters today, Charenamei said that land of the Nagas should be protected by the Nagas themselves.

When a new State like Jharkhand could be created from Bihar, there is no provision in the Indian Constitution which says that the existing boundary of the North Eastern States could not be altered, the sitting Naga MP said, while reiterating that he had voted for the UPA Government at the Centre during trust motion in the Parliament only on the assurance that the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme on the inviolable nature of the boundary of the North Eastern States would be rectified as well as to open the door for resolving the Naga issue.

'For the development of the hill areas and tribal languages and protection of the tribal land and identity with proper planning, we have to elect our own Government', Charenamei exhorted the public gathering which included village chiefs, church leaders and representatives of village authorities.

While assuring that Naga Independent MLAs and MPs would work together within the framework of Indian Constitution to ensuring rights of the hill people, Charenamei pledged to implement all the points highlighted in the election manifesto of the PDA.

'The Nagas are not against development but construction of Thoubal and Tipaimukh dams should be opposed as these would bring hill areas under water', the PDA candidate contended.

He also charged the SPF Govt as a Govt which does not love and care about its own people.

PDA president Marung Makunga who also spoke at the campaign said decision of the Naga Independent MLAs to support the PDA candidate in the election is to ensure a representative who can speak about Naga issue in the Parliament.

''Naga issue is not a joke.

After the Indo-Naga pace talks, peace has prevailed once again.

There will be peace in Manipur when the issues of other communities have been resolved'', Makunga maintained.

MLA Awangbow Newmai observed that for development to bring about in the hills, one needs to know himself/herself first.

For the hill people to get their due rights and recognition, lets elect Mani Charenamei to the Parliament this time as well, he appealed to the gathering.

Other Naga Independent MLAs, namely Dr Khasim Ruivah, W Keishing and K Raina were also present at the occasion pleading the Naga voters for co-operation in ensuring the success of the PDA candidate.

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