Mokokchung, May 30 (MExN): The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation conducted its second phase of clean and fair election campaign at Mokokchung District from May 25 to 28.
The Federation informed in a press release that the main objective of this campaign was to reach out to the rural people and to sensitize them the provisions laid down for election under the Constitution of India.
Having concern to build a better Nagaland the Federation strongly emphasis on the malpractices during the election that deteriorate the Naga society to a great extend like villagers going for a consensus candidate, capturing of polling booth, taking bribe from the candidate, proxy voting, setting up of camps at different locations, use of alcohol during election etc which is contrary to the provisions laid down by the Constitution.
During the campaign the Federation appraised that Nagas are privileged to have special provisions under Section 371(A) of the Indian Constitution however due to misinterpretation of the provision we becomes self style ruler forgetting our identity and integrity.
The Federation also encouraged the villagers by giving relevant Sections of Law that needs to be known and practice by all the law abiding citizens.
Some of the sections were under the ‘Representation of People Act 1951’, Section 134(A)- penalty for government servants for acting as election agents,Section135A (1)- Offence of booth capturing, Section 135(C)-Liquor not to be sold, given or distributed, Section 62 (3)(4)(5)- void of Proxy Voting, Section 133- penalty for illegal hiring or procuring of conveyance, Section 125- promoting enmity between classes in connection with election and under ‘Indian Penal Code’ Section 171(B)(C)(E) (F)(H)(I)- Bribery, Undue influence, Punishment for Bribery, Illegal payments, Punishment for undue influence and failure to keep election accounts.
During interaction the NLSF found that in most of the villages the members apprised them of outside interference in the election which left them with no option but to surrender to such evil practices. Therefore, the Federation appeal to all not to indulge in violating the law as it hampers the future of the Naga society and pledge not to let other people decide our future but exercise our franchise by electing peoples friendly legislatures or face dire consequences.
The NLSF has thanked Nagaland Legal Services Authority headed by its Member Secretary Nino Iralu for providing logistic help in the entire endeavour.
