Chandel, April 11, 2024:
In an interesting political development, Eno Y. Pathon, the Deputy Chief Minister of neighboring Nagaland, campaigned for a parliamentary candidate in Manipur’s Chandel district today.
Pathon was the star campaigner at an election rally held in Leipung Tampak village, throwing his weight behind the ruling party’s nominee for the Chandel Lok Sabha seat.
The Naga leader’s presence at the poll campaign highlights the interconnected nature of ethnic communities straddling the interstate borders in this region. It also signals an attempt to rally support cutting across state lines.
Addressing a large gathering, Pathon spoke about strengthening ties between the hill districts of Manipur and Nagaland through mutual cooperation and development. “Our communities have age-old bonds that go beyond boundaries drawn on maps,” he stated.
The ruling dispensation is looking to make inroads into the hill areas of Manipur, which have traditionally gone with regional parties. Roping in influential leaders from neighboring states could be part of its outreach strategy.
As the high-stakes Chandel poll battle intensifies, the coming days could see more political maneuvering and attempts at cross-border mobilization by various parties.
The seat, which has a mixed population, is a key battlefield that could impact the overall poll outcome in Manipur amidst simmering ethnic tensions.
