Senapati: In a significant boost for the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio addressed a public campaign rally at Raisung ground, Maram bazar in Senapati district on Saturday.
NPF consensus candidate Kachui Timothy Zimik commenced his second leg of the election campaign from the Naga-dominated district after the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha election concluded on April 19.
Addressing the mammoth gathering, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed gratitude to BJP and NPP for their endorsement and support to Zimik who is contesting for the Outer Manipur seat. He also expressed hope that Zimik will be elected as an MP and speaks for the people.
While acknowledging the situation in his counterpart state of Manipur and the challenges faced by the people, Nagaland CM said that we should overcome the challenges to bring harmony and peaceful coexistence among the people in Manipur.
He also urged the people to vote for the appropriate candidate and further confided that NDA ally candidate Zimik will win and do justice to his people.
Four candidates, all Nagas, including Zimik, INC candidate Alfred Kanngam Arthur and two Independent candidates S Kho John and Dr Alyson Abonmai are in the fray for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.
Zimik, in his address, expressed his gratitude to all those voters transcending caste and community who have voted in favour of him in the first phase of polls and urged the people to continue their support towards him. He also thanked CM Rio and his team from Nagaland for their valuable presence and for extending their unceasing support to him during the campaign programme.
Stressing the unemployment and social issues, Zimik, a former principal chief commissioner of Income Tax, at the Ministry of Finance (Revenue), said that many unemployed educated youth have turned to drugs, alcohol and substance abuse due to frustration and lack of opportunities.
“We must provide quality education to our youngsters and encourage them to venture into new avenues such as innovative farming, horticulture, agroforestry, ecotourism and entrepreneurship to address such social issues”, said Zimik.
We must turn our vast land into a land of economic activities and opportunities for our young people, he added.
The NDA consensus candidate Zimik also assured the gathering that after he is elected as a member of the Parliament, special attention will be given to the Senapati district when it comes to the economic development of Manipur.
The public rally was also attended by NPF president Apong Pongener, Nagaland deputy chief minister TR Zeliang, MLAS & NPF Legislative leader Kuzhokuzo Azo Nienu, ministers, MLAs from Nagaland and Manipur, CSOs leaders and supporters.
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