Nagaland CM to land with Lim/Alternative Arrangement call today
Rio to head NPF's Manipur campaign
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 18, 2012: Even as a large number of political parties in the State, including the ruling Congress, continue to oppose the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) for its 'greater Nagalim' agenda, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is set to arrive here tomorrow to campaign for the party in the hill districts of Manipur.

Supported by the United Naga Council (UNC), which is seeking an alternative administrative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur, the NPF has fielded candidates in 12 constituencies.

On Thursday and Friday, Rio would visit Tamenglong and Chandel districts.

He would go to Ukhrul on Saturday, said an NPF source.

He added that an extensive publicity was on to ensure that people attend Rio-headed poll campaigns.

For Chandel and Ukhrul campaigns, Rio would fly in a chopper, the sources said adding that preparations for all meetings have been arranged.

Of the twelve seats, NPF will fight three each in Tamenglong, Senapati and Ukhrul, two in Chandel and one in Churachanpur.

Rio would address election rallies for NPF candidates in Tamenglong, Noney, Tamei, Chandel and Ukhrul Assembly Constituencies from tomorrow onwards till January 21.

Nagaland CM Nephiu Rio at the launch of the NPF at Spt, May 28, 2010

Interestingly, Manipur unit NPF president G Gaingam, Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam and Adim Pamei of the Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) will fight in Nungba constituency of Tamenglong.

"We have prepared everything for Rio's Manipur visit.

Campaigning for our party is on in all 12 constituencies," said Gaingam.

"Though it's quite early to spell out how many seats we are likely to win this time, we are hopeful of doing well," he added.

Because of similarities in ideologies and principles, the UNC decided to support the NPF in the polls.

Meanwhile, a special team of Nagaland police, comprising of 20 personnel, has proceeded for Tamenglong district headquarters today in connection with the itinerary of the Nagaland CM at Tamenglong and Noney ACs tomorrow.

Another batch of Nagaland police has reached here this morning and is expected to leave for Noney tomorrow.

All political parties in the state, including the ruling Congress, strongly opposed the NPF because of the formation of greater Nagaland incorporated in the party's constitution right from opening its Manipur unit in Senapati district headquarters in May last year.

In November last year, the UNC ended its economic blockade on the Imphal-Silchar and Imphal-Dimapur routes imposed to denounce the state government's alleged bid to bifurcate Naga areas.