MPP faction opposes merger of the regional parties

Imphal, May 8 (UNI) One of the factions of the Manipur Peoples Party (MPP) is opposing the unification of the state's three main opposition political parties.

The Manipur Peoples Party(MPP), Federal Party of Manipur(FPM) and Democratic Revolutionary Peoples Party(DRPP) had planning to merge to form a new regional party.

However, even after two months of negotiations and several announcements, the parties could not reach a consensus.

The three parties, in another round of talks yesterday, discussed the matter.

A group within the MPP, led by former president O Joy and MPP legislative wing leader Dr Nimaichand Luwang, have decided to support the move of unifying the three parties.

However, the other group, led by L Borajao, who was elected as president in December, has announced that he would not support the merger.

MPP president L Borajao said the party could never be dissolved as it was the oldest regional party in the region.

Leaders of the three parties said that they would fight the Imphal Municipal Council(IMC) elections on May 31 under a single symbol. The constitution of the new party is yet to be announced soon.

The leaders said a preparatory committee, led by Dr Nimaichand Luwang, had been formed and other modalities would be worked out shortly.

''There are possibilities of other parties joining the new regional party,'' the leaders said.

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