Manipur deputy CM accuses Neiphiu Rio of playing communal politics

CHURACHANDPUR: Manipur deputy chief minister and state Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Gaikhangam on Friday accused Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio of playing communal politics in the Naga-dominated areas of Manipur. A Naga himself, Gaikhangam has been relentlessly campaigning for Congress in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency which has a huge Naga population.
At a rally for Naga People's Front (NPF) candidate Soso Lorho at Senapati on Wednesday, Rio accused Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh of failing to protect the state's minority communities, including Nagas and Kukis.He said the communities had been instigated to fight among themselves instead. Rio also accused Ibobi of successfully serving the Congress high command without serving the state's people.
Stating that the Manipur government believed in equality for all communities, Gaikhangam said Rio's remark revealed a lack of leadership skills. "His irresponsible speech will only breach communal harmony," Gaikhangam said.
Rubbishing Rio's allegations, Gaikhangam said the Ibobi Singh-led government had ensured greater development in the hills. "We have taken up various multi-crore development projects in the hills and focused on need-based areas there," Gaikhangam said on the sidelines of a flag-hoisting ceremony for the Congress candidate from Outer Manipur, sitting MP Thangso Baite, at his Churachandpur residence, about 62 km from Imphal, on Friday.
Without taking any names, Ibobi Singh said communal hatred posed a greater danger than an atom bomb. "We have to be very careful about who is contesting the polls," the chief minister said, adding that the people will give a befitting reply in the coming election.
Taking into account the mammoth crowd during AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi's rally in Thoubal on March 19, Ibobi exuded confidence about winning both LS seats in the state. He stated that the results had been virtually declared on the day of Rahul's rally itself.
For the Inner Manipur seat, Congress has fielded sitting MP Thokchom Meinya.
Ten candidates are in the fray for Outer Manipur which will go to polls on April 9. Eight candidates will fight it out for Inner Manipur which will vote on April 17.