Manipuris jittery as Naga party in poll fray

The ruling Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) in Nagaland has urged the Meiteis (read Manipuris) not to read too much into its entry into Manipur poll fray.

“Let us assert that we have entered Manipur not to alter their boundary. On the contrary, we want to take part more actively in the Manipur assembly,” NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu told DNA.

The single-phase polls in the state will be held on January 28. Five non-BJP parties have firmed up an alliance to beat the ruling Congress.

“We’re the oldest recognised regional party in the North-East. We’ve extended our activities in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Election rules can’t stop us,” he said.

The NPF dubbed as ‘imaginary’ the fears of the Manipuris that its entry into Manipur poll fray was part of a design to promote the demand of ‘Greater Nagaland’. “We’ve been living as good neighbours. We want them (Manipuris) to play the role of big brother. We expect them to do so,” Shurhozelie added.