Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 10 2010:
Even though various civil organisations backing UNC had announced a boycott, Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) today extended support to the visit of CM O Ibobi and his councils of ministers to attend the Orange Festival in Tamenglong.
The Orange festival at Tamenglong district HQs is slated for December 11 and 12 .
Opposition to CM Ibobi and his council of ministers to attend the festival came from various bodies after the UNC asked any organisation not to invite any government functionaries including the CM, ministers and MLAs to the festival.
The UNC recalled the July 1 declaration of Naga People Convention to "sever political ties" with Manipur government.
Naga Youth Front (NYF) endorsing the UNC call has called a Tamenglong district bandh on December 11 and 12 .
Earlier Zeliangrong Baudi had also announced a boycott of the CM and his ministers.
However, the Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) today will welcome the CM and his ministers and extend full cooperation in holding the festival.
They clarified that the Orange Festival has been celebrated for the last many years with the state government organising the festival every year, therefore, Zeliangrong people inviting CM or other VIPs is not an issue.
A statement of ZU signed by its general secretary K Poushinglung appreciated the decision of the CM to grace the festival inspite of the boycott called by the NYF and other bodies close to the UNC.
The statement observed that being a backward district in all spheres, Chief Minister strongly desires visit the district and his visit will be laudable.
Banning of VVIP and VIP visits will be denying the opportunities for development of the district, it added.
Unlike in previous years, ZU expects that this year's festival will enhance benefits to orange growers.
Orange being suitable to the climate of the district, government should take up necessary steps to provide assistance to the growers to enable them to sustain their livelihood through orange plantation.
Improving the economic conditions will automatically accelerate development activities in the district, the statement observed and assured maximum cooperation, support and participation for a grand success of the celebration.
Our Tamenglong Correspondent adds: Even as UNC and Zeliangrong Baudi announced a boycott of the CM and his ministers, preparations for the festival are nearly complete.
Even as the NYF announced a 48 hrs bandh, security measures have been prepared.