CHANDEL: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday termed Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh the enemy of Nagas. Addressing an election rally of the Naga People's Front (NPF) here, Rio said, "If you elect Ibobi, he will always be the enemy of Nagas, tribals and backward people."
Rio came to Chandel in a chopper from Kohima to address an NPF rallies in Ukhrul and Chandel. He addressed a crowd of 5,000 NPF supporters at the Chandel Maha ground and campaigned for his Chandel and Tengnoupal candidates.
Rio claimed that Ibobi tried his best to prevent the NPF from entering Manipur and set up an office in Senapati on May 28 last year. "Ibobi told the Union home minister that NPF's entry would create trouble. But, I assured the home minister that I will go to Manipur not to create trouble, but to bring peace," he said.
"Manipur CM's step was illegal, undemocratic and unconstitutional. The NPF is now contesting the assembly polls as the Election Commission has given recognition to the party," he said. The NPF is raising the demand for the integration of all Naga-inhabited areas of the northeast under one administrative roof. It is also backing the United Naga Council (UNC)'s demand for an alternative administrative arrangement for the Naga-dominated areas of Manipur.
"The Nagas in Manipur have suffered and faced many problems while fighting for their legitimate demands. Now, we have come as a political party to raise your voice in the assembly.All Nagas should shun individual interests and think of Nagaism," Rio said. He alleged that though 89 per cent of the geographical area of Manipur is hills and the valley accounts for only 11 per cent, majority of the funds allocated from the Centre goes to the valley.
Saying the NPF was only seeking the rights of Nagas, Rio said, "We are fighting for our rights. We are not against any political parties, tribes or Meiteis."