Kohima, Sept 18 (NNN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Thursday strongly reacted to a comment made by Manipur NPP leader Lorho Pfoze where he said on September 16 that the NPF is a ‘highly exclusive political party’ with ‘no room for members from other communities’.
The NPF office in Kohima said this statement is factually incorrect, misleading, and unfortunate, “especially coming from a person who was himself the official NPF candidate for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency in 2019”.
The NPF, in a statement issued on Thursday said, “Dr. Lorho was relatively unknown beyond his immediate circle before 2019, but the NPF took the bold decision to nominate him after extensive consultation and spade work”. The NPF statement also said the party invested its resources, energy, and manpower tirelessly to ensure his victory. “He was elected with a margin of about 80,000 votes — a feat made possible because NPF reached out to all sections of society, not just the Nagas”, it added.
The Manipur State Unit of NPF has six divisions – Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Churachandpur, and Sadar Hills. The last two divisions are predominantly Kuki-Zoumi areas, said the NPF. All office bearers of the Churachandpur division have been from the Kuki and Zoumi communities, the NPF also said.
“The Sadar Hills division, which has a mixed population of Nagas, Kukis, and Nepalis, has had Kuki presidents in the past — Mr. Chongloi (two terms) and Mr. Thanboi Haokip (one term). Mr. Sepu Haokip, a Kuki leader, served as Manipur State Unit vice president for three terms and twice contested assembly elections as the official NPF candidate, losing by a very narrow margin”, the NPF statement added.
The NPF then reaffirmed its commitment to remain a platform for all communities, regardless of tribe, faith, or background, to work collectively for lasting peace and development in Manipur.
