‘Deferring polls isn’t a big deal’

Morung Express News Dimapur |
December 27

Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Imkong L. Imchen on Wednesday reiterated his statement for deferment of elections in the interest of solution to the Naga political issue.  

“We (legislators) are serious in our resolution adopted in the Assembly to request the Government of India for deferment of elections. It (elections) is not a big deal for us comparing to the Naga political issue,” he told media persons at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.

  He made it clear that the issue of boycotting elections does not arise and added that the Government of Nagaland was only approaching the appropriate authorities to defer the elections. Imchen, however, added that if elections were announced then politicians would have to file nominations.  

According to Imchen, the GoI has the competency to defer elections under the 44th Amendment of the Constitution of India under extraordinary circumstances.  

Referring to Interlocutor, R.N. Ravi’s statement that the agreement was in its final stages, Imchen said, “It is only a matter of time to sign the final agreement. What is the use of conducting elections only to be dismissed within a short time?” he queried.  

He further added that those who were in support of conducting elections were “unmindful” of the Naga political issue. “If Naga people miss this opportunity then they will have serious regret – a historical regret,” he added.   Imchen also said that had the 16 Point Agreement been incorporated in the Constitution of India, it would have been much better for Nagas.   The Minister called for a unified approach in bringing about a solution to the Naga issue.