Mokokchung, February 7 (MExN): In an interesting development, three candidates from 29th Jangpetkong Assembly Constituency today alleged that some ‘individual/s claiming to be senior officials and armed cadres of the NSCN (IM)’ are spreading the message to the villagers and electorate that Congress candidate I Imkong is the NSCN (IM)’s ‘official candidate’.
“They have been directing the officials of Mangkolemba town and those village leaders to let the electorates under their respective jurisdiction to vote for the Congress (I) candidate Mr. I Imkong or else face dire consequences,” stated a joint press release jointly appended by Dr Longriniken NPF candidate and Independent candidates ET Sunep and Dr K Chuba Ao released to the media here today.
The three candidates disclosed that the ‘joint press release’ has been release with the deepest concern for the conduct of free and fair poll in 29th Jangpetkong A/C in the ensuing Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election.
The three candidates disclosed information about ‘some individual/s claiming to be Senior Officials and Armed Cadres of the NSCN (IM)’ openly meeting village councils of Waromung, Dibuia, Mongchen, Chungliyimsen villages and also Town Committee members, Sector Chairmen and GBs of Mangkolemba Town with the message that “Mr. I Imkong of Congress (I) is the NSCN (IM)’s official candidate”. In this regard the three candidates stated that ‘if the information/s received are true, this would amount to the NSCN (IM) officials making serious attempt to involve and vitiate completely the peoples mandate under threat, intimidation and coercion and denying the fundamental rights to exercise the franchise in a free and fair manner’.
“We make this appeal to the NSCN (IM) to clarify, deny or confirm through the media whether the direct and active involvement of its officials and armed cadres in the electioneering process under 29th Jangpetkong A/C, as information received is under its official directive,” the two independent candidates and one NPF candidate stated.
Terming the present threat as against the mandate of the people violating the Fundamental rights enshrined by the constitution of India and making the Representation of the People Act meaningless, the three candidates appealed all concerned authorities and the people of 29th Jangpetkong A/C to stand untied and take all possible appropriate steps to ensure a free, fair and peaceful poll in 29th Jangpetkong A/C.
It may be noted that there are four candidates in 29th Jangpetkong AC. Sitting MLA I Imkong is contesting as Congress candidate while Dr Longriniken is contesting as the NPF candidate. ET Sunep and Dr K Chuba Ao will be contesting as independent candidates.
Meanwhile, in a complaint letter to the Chief Electoral officer, Nagaland, the Khar Village Council, through its chairman I. Imti Jamer, has alleged that NSCN (IM) has been interfering in the elections by pressurizing colony chairmen and GBs to support I. Imkong. They have requested the CEO’s office to take up the matter at the highest level and do the needful.
