Ukhrul, May 26 : The NPF Manipur state unit president Awangbow Newmai has stated that the Framework Agreement signed on Aug 3 last year was in recognition of Naga sovereignty and is a landmark achievement for the Nagas’ struggle for self determination. The Indian leaders were serious to resolve the Indo- Naga issue, he said and stressed on the collective responsibility of every Naga as the peace process is at the final stage of settlement.
Speaking as the chief guest at the office inauguration of NPF, Ukhrul division youth wing at Alungtang, Awangbow lambasted the State Government for suppressing tribal rights and added that the three Bills passed on August 31 last year violated Constitutional provisions. Urging all for peaceful co-existence by respecting the rights of all communities, Awangbow further appealed to the valley brethren not to violate the rights of tribals or hurt the sentiments of the other communities of the State. Awangbow asserted that NPF is the only political party that will rescue the political rights of the tribals and strengthen HAC under article 371 (C) to safeguard the rights of the tribals if NPF is given a chance in the coming Assembly election next year. Ukhrul ADC chairman Dr Yaronsho stressed on strengthening the NPF youth wing and added that even though NPF did very well in the MDC election winning 56 ADC seats the NPF ADCs lack co-ordination with MLAs. NPF legislative members must be elected for better and transparent governance in the State, he added. Clarifying why NPF abstained from the all political party meeting held on May 9 with regard to the three Bills, Awangbow said they did not attend the meeting as the NPF is strongly opposed to the Bills. He also reminded the gathering that the four NPF MLAs tendered their resignation in protest against the three ‘anti tribal’ Bills. Edmund Chiphang EM, Wungnaoshang, Ukhrul unit NPF president and Worthing Horam president NPF youth wing also exhorted the youth to be more active ahead of the coming Assembly election. All the NPF ADC members of Ukhrul including the intending NPF candidates for the Assembly election, Khashim Vashum from Chingai A/C and Hopingson from Phungyar A/C attended the NPF youth office inauguration function.
