Imphal: NPP national president and Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Friday said the party is preparing to contest the Manipur assembly elections due next year on its own identity and principles.Sangma was speaking after inaugurating the NPP’s new state office at Mantripukhri in Imphal. He said his visit was to express solidarity with the people of Manipur, meet party leaders and legislators, and review organisational matters. He said the new office will strengthen the party’s administrative setup and improve coordination among leaders and frontal organisations.On the upcoming assembly polls, Sangma said the NPP contests elections independently under its constitution and principles, while it may support coalition govts after results are declared. He said the party will continue strengthening its organisation across the state.On the controversy over examination paper leaks, Sangma called the issue a serious concern and said a proper inquiry was needed before fixing responsibility. He said strict action should be taken against those found guilty after a fair investigation and stressed reforms to strengthen the education system.“We cannot just simply blame somebody and then say that take action without an inquiry. So we are for an inquiry and we are for action to be taken against those responsible,” he said.Sangma said education remains a priority for the party and reiterated the need for reforms to improve quality. On protests seeking the resignation of the Union education minister, he said any action should be based on the findings of an impartial inquiry. He said the handling of student protests could have been better and noted that some students were injured, adding that the focus should be on reforms that protect students’ future.Referring to the end of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, Sangma said discussions appeared to be moving in a positive direction and expressed hope that meaningful reforms would follow.Sangma, who arrived in Imphal on a two-day visit, also interacted with state executives and members of the party, including its youth and women wings. He is scheduled to attend the NPP Manipur unit’s annual convention on Saturday.
