Set to make history if election is held, Awan Konyak says she will listen to public decision

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 30 While uncertainty clouds the fate of the elections to the Nagaland State Assembly, a young woman from Aboi is set to make history if at all elections are held.   Awan N Konyak will become the first Konyak woman to contest elections, if polls to the Nagaland State Assembly are conducted.   She plans to succeed her father, former Minister, Nyeiwang Konyak, representing the 47 Aboi Assembly Constituency. Awan declared her candidacy in a programme today at their residence in Aboi Town.   Awan Nyeiwang Konyak, who has completed her Master of Philosophy from Delhi University, is a citizen of Ngangching village, and lives in Aboi Town.   Her father, Nyeiwang Konyak, had also won the MLA seat from the same constituency several times.   Awan, however added a disclaimer to her announcement. She stated that the progamme was held since a date for it had already been set.   She, however, clarified that with respect to the ongoing talks for an early solution to the Indo-Naga issue, she would adhere to the decision made by the Naga public.   During the programme, Awan said her dream was to complete the incomplete task of his father’s dream for the constituency with progressive development and to elevate the status of women in Naga society.   “The best is yet to come,” she added.   According to an attendee of the event, if election is held, her historic candidature will be a ‘very’ positive development for the constituency.   The programme was chaired by Pong-E and the gathering was exhorted by W Chingwang Konyak, who stressed that women the world over are taking up challenges and changes are taking place rapidly.   A welcome note was delivered by Ango, Chairman of Ngangching Village followed by short speeches from different villagers, the Vice Chairman/President of 47 A/C Aboi.   The 47 Aboi A/C is represented currently by Eshak Konyak who won the seat after a four-way contest in 2013. Eshak, representing the Indian National Congress, beat his nearest rival, Awan’s father and former Education Minister, Nyeiwang representing the Naga People’s Front.