Following the recent withdrawal of support by the National People’s Party (NPP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Manipur, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has announced that it will continue to back the current government.
During a press conference on Monday at his official residence in Lamphelpat, Imphal, Awangbow Newmai, president of NPF’s Manipur unit, confirmed the party’s decision to maintain its support for the BJP-led government.
Newmai, who is also a cabinet minister in the government, emphasized the party’s commitment to the coalition, stating, “We will continue to support the government since we continue to be part of the coalition.”
Awangbow, who holds the portfolios of water resources and relief and disaster management, also reassured that NPF will continue to work closely with the state during these difficult times.
The NPF, with five legislators in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, has two cabinet ministers: Awangbow Newmai (Tamei constituency) and Khashim Vashum (Chingai constituency), who oversees transport, and veterinary and animal husbandry. The remaining NPF legislators are L Dikho (Mao), Ram Muivah (Ukhrul), and Leishiyo Keishing (Phungyar).
Reacting to the news, GK Zhimomi, Vice President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), expressed strong disapproval. He stated, “By continuing to support the BJP govt in Manipur that is presiding over the mayhem, the oldest regional party in the Northeast has lost its moral compass. NPF has written its own political obituary.”