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Extension of the Naga ceasefire to Manipur, not unexpectedly, is one of the main issues in the campaign for the forthcoming assembly election in the state. The polling is slated for February 14 and 21.
Manipuris took to the streets in a big way to protest the Centre's decision and had even resulted in the state assembly building, several party offices and ministerial bungalows being set on fire by a protesting mob.
In a development with far-reaching consequences, the influential United Naga Council (UNC) on Thursday compelled 47 Naga candidates to sign a pledge that virtually commits them to furthering the concept of 'Greater Nagaland'.
Except for former chief minister and veteran Congress leader Rishang Keishing, all other Naga candidates cutting across party lines have signed the pledge promising: 1. That they will work for the Naga cause irrespective of their party affiliations. 2. That they will support the on-going peace talks between the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Centre. 3. That they will support the extension of the Naga ceasefire to the Naga-inhabited areas of the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. 4. That they will resign or face the collective displeasure of the Naga people.
According to UNC president K S Paul Leo, the pledge was signed by the candidates at Senapati.
Among others, even former Manipur ministers like Prof Gangumei Kamei were forced to sign the document despite their reservations, some of the candidates who attended the meeting said.
The UNC move is likely to provoke a major backlash from the majority Meitei community, which is suspicious of the Centre's handling of the Naga ceasefire issue.
Manipur has a significant Naga population and the greatest fear of the Meities is that Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur may be given away to Nagaland to appease the NSCN (Issac-Muivah).
The latest development in the run up to the elections, does not augur well for the state already plagued with pre-poll violence and extortion threats to several candidates.
Meanwhile, BJP president Jana Krishnamurthy, who is in Imphal to campaign for the party, refused to react to the UNC move.
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