DIMAPUR, FEB 19 (MExN): Following the filing of nominations, NPF candidate, Atomi Zhimomi, called a press conference at the party’s office in Dimapur to discuss his plans for the for the forthcoming elections. Refusing to make tall promises to the people, he however took the opportunity to assure the voters that if he were to be elected, he would give the Dimapur-I A/C a most decent 10 months start which any legislature could give to their constituency. On this very confident note, he continued that this election was basically a “seeking of a chance to bring about development” and the general election would be decided on this development plank. The candidate also contributed his confidence to the fact that he had the full support of the youth and hoped that he could be a mouthpiece for them.
Reacting to the Congress Candidate, Aheto’s statement of underground involvement in the elections, he said that the undergrounds were also a part and parcel of the society and their relationship with the outfit, according to the NPF mandate was one of equi-closeness; “Nothing more, nothing less” he added. On being further asked if the statement meant that he approved of the underground’s participation, he replied, I do not agree to that but at the same time it is not up to me. They are a different entity altogether”.
The NPF candidate also opined that the real citizens of Dimapur-I A/C should come out to vote if they wanted to have their voice heard and not let others take their place by casting “proxy votes”.
Denying that he had received the party’s ticket because his father, Khekeho Zhimomi’s influence, Atomi said that his activities and contribution to the party and services to the people had been witnessed by all since the inception of NPF and being the son of a minister was an “indispensable” fact but at the same time he was a man of his own which would ultimately matter in the end. Denying any friction in the party or the DAN alliance due to the bye-election he said that it was a totally friendly election and echoed Aheto’s sentiments saying, “Let’s hope it’s a free and fair election”.
