In a show of collective consciousness of traditional unity, villagers of Ramva village in Ukhrul district have, in one accord, pledged their support for intending candidate AS Vareingam Zimik who is running for the forthcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections.
This was demonstrated during a blessing ceremony of AS Vareingam Zimik organised by the Ramva Village Authority at the village community hall on Friday. The village authority members led by local headman AS Wungnaoyo formally conducted a special prayer session and invoked divine blessings for victory of the intending candidate.
It is learnt that AS Vareingam Zimik, who is cousin of the late NPF 13-Shangshak DCC councilor SP Mashunngam, is currently seeking the blessing of the regional political party leadership for awarding him the party ticket to contest the upcoming polls from the constituency.
Speaking on the occasion, Vareingam expressed gratitude to the village authority and the locals for their overwhelming support given to him. “My main motivation in joining politics to contest the polls is to serve the public like my cousin Mashunngam had done. He was my mentor and I learnt a great deal about politics from him. This is how I decided to follow in his footsteps,” Vareingam poured out his sentiments.
He continued that his decision was based on the principles of yielding oneself to the will of the Almighty God who does not forsake the poor, orphans or the underprivileged. “If ever God grants me the opportunity to serve, I will work for shaping the future of our youths. Youths are very important for the growth of a society. But it is sad to see so many of our young people struggling due to scarcity of resources and lack of employment opportunities. We must empower and engage them in nation building,” he stressed.
According to Vareingam, self reliance of the people and peace and harmony are vital for progress and growth of the society.
On seeking NPF ticket to run for the polls, he said that he believes in the constitution of the party and that he is willing to live up to aspirations of the Naga public by putting the public interest before himself.
On behalf of the village public, Ramva Katamnao Long (RKL), Ramva Shanao Long (RSL) and Thinkers’ Forum, Ramva (TFR) publicly announced their seperate decisions and pledged unwavering support for Vareingam.
In his speech, a village elder Stephen recalled that late SP Mashunngam had worked for the welfare of the villagers during his short stint as the councillor of 13-Shangshak DCC. “Unfortunately, he had gone too soon,” he bemoaned.
“In such moments of despair, the decision of AS Varengam Zimik to run for the upcoming ADC polls is warmly welcomed by the villagers and we repose our faith in him,” he said. He then urged the gathering to prepare themselves to be a part of the changing world.
It may be recalled that late SP Mashunngam who got elected as an ADC representative of the constituency on NPF ticket in 2015, passed away in February earlier this year.