Ukhrul: The Raphei Wungnao, the headmen association of Raphei area (Northern Tangkhul) on Monday interacted with K Timothy Zimik, the candidate for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary in the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha election 2024.
A consultative meeting was held at Ngahui village under Chingai sub-division in Ukhrul district. The meeting was organised by Raphei Wungnao.
According to Somi Kasomwo, chairman, Raphei Wungnao and headmen of Ngahui village, Raphei Wungnao covers 45 villages within its jurisdiction and a total of 36 villages were represented by headmen, chairmen, and other representatives at the meeting.
“As we have just observed today, Zimik has great concern for the people and a strong desire and energy to serve the people,” said Kasomwo.
Kasomwo also said the main motive behind organising the meeting was to invite Zimik to personally visit the Raphei region and see for himself the backwardness and the struggles faced by the people.
“Without witnessing the conditions of the people, he may not fully understand their hardships. Through this meet, we hope the people will gain insight into Zimik’s mission and his potential as a candidate,” he added.
On the long-standing Naga political issue, Zimik acknowledged that with other issues being resolved, the national flag and constitution are the only remaining contentious topics. He expressed his willingness to contribute towards finding a resolution for this age-old issue at the earliest.
The consultative meeting also deliberated on the mission and objectives of the candidate.
Addressing the gathering, Timothy Zimik mentioned the pressing issues of poverty and backwardness faced by the people. He identified the unequal distribution of state resources/revenues for the hill areas as the root cause of these problems.
While emphasising on the importance of human resources and land for the hill people, Zimik urged for the transformation of the hill lands into economic activities and opportunities, paving way for the upliftment of the rural population.
In his efforts to support the livelihood of the rural population, Zimik said, he has asked the state government to allocate a sum of Rs 2000 crore for Agro Forestry, horticulture, and other similar initiatives in the hill areas. He also highlighted the need to amend the Manipur Village Authority Act of 1956 and urged for a steady flow of funds from the government to village authorities, in order to improve village administration.
Meanwhile, Kharingyo Shimrah, vice-president, NPF Ukhrul division revealed that the party will support the candidate who can truly represent the people in the Parliament.
In regard to the meeting called by the UNC to all the intending Naga candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2024 on Tuesday, Shimrah shared that the meeting is to find a consensus among the Naga community not based on party line but through a sense of belongingness and understanding each other.
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“Let the candidate perform in the interest of all communities, including Naga, Meitei and Kuki and do not betray our identity and cause,” he added.
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