Senapati (Tamhazam) | May 28 : The ‘Cock’, the symbol of Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF), the oldest regional political party in the North East, has finally come to roost in the hills districts of Manipur with the formal launching of the party unit in Manipur at Senapati town on Saturday. Thousands of Southern Nagas from the four hills districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenlong and Chandel congregated at public ground, Senapati, to witness the flag hoisting and declaration programme of the NPF Manipur unit.
Amidst the clapping and cheers of the crowd, NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu hoisted the blue-white-red flag of the party with the cock, a sacred and ceremonial bird of the Nagas, poised in the middle of the flag. After the initial apprehensions and the long journey from Kohima, the mood in the NPF party was nothing less than ecstatic.
Earlier, in the morning the scene at Mao Gate resembled a repeat of the May 6, 2010, incident when NSCN/GPRN general secretary Th. Muivah was prevented by the Manipur police commandoes from crossing the inter-state border. After initial hiccups, more than 150 vehicles comprising of the chief minister’ convoy and NPF party cavalcade led by the party president Shurhozelie made a grand entry to Senapati.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio later told the gathering that the Manipur government gave the clearance to cross the border only when his convoy reached Jakhama. The bandh imposed by the United Council Manipur did not dampen the spirit of Nagas coming from Ukhrul and other districts.
Though the powerful Meira Paibies (Manipuri Women organization) stopped and delayed 40 vehicles ferrying Naga passengers from Imphal at Sekmai for hours on end, the Naga passengers could, in the end, attend the NPF launching programme.
Besides the NPF president and Nagaland chief minister, various speakers including Nagaland Planning and Coordination minister and in-charge Manipur NPF unit, TR Zeliang, Nagaland Lok Sabha MP, CM Chang, NPF Manipur unit, G Gaingam and general secretary S Kho John, also addressed the gathering.
Among others DAN ministers, parliamentary secretaries and MLAs including PHED minister Dr. Ngangshi, Planning & Coordination minister TR Zeliang, central NPF officials who attended the programme included secretary general KG Kenye, vice president Pusazo Luruo, general secretaries T Shuya and Blaise Eheilung.
