Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 20
As the uncertainty over the upcoming municipal polls lingers, the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) has opted for a public rally to register its protest against the conduct of polls scheduled on February 1. The rally on January 23 will be held at the State Stadium, Dimapur and will begin at 11:00 am.
The decision to hold the rally was resolved following discussions that lasted over 3 hours at the Lotha Hoho Ki today. Called by the JCC, the meeting had representatives from the Sumi Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Angami Public Organisation, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Ao Senden, ENPO, CNTC, Naga Council Dimapur, DUCCF, GBs union and poll candidates, who have withdrawn candidature.
Uncertainty and the pressure to deliver were evident as the candidates who have withdrawn broached the question of ‘justice’ in the backdrop of other candidates who have chosen to stay in the fray.
“One cannot live in isolation in a society and based on this belief, I withdrew my candidature. The question now is will you be able to take action against those who went against the will of the ‘people’,” stated Tiala Sapuh at the meeting, who withdrew her candidature from Ward 1.
A major part of the meeting revolved around strategy and weighing options - either taking the legal route or taking to the streets. The options though were left in the back-burner for the time being with the house focussing on the rally scheduled on January 23.
The rally, as per the JCC, will draw some 20,000 people. JCC co-convenor, Vekhosayi Nyekha briefing the media following the meeting said that the respective tribe affiliates of the JCC has been assigned to mobilise as many people as possible for the peaceful rally. A minimum of 5000 people each from the Angami, Ao and Sema units and no less than 3000 from the Lotha unit will be requisitioned, Nyekha informed. 1000 people each from the ENPO and Chakhesang units are expected, he added.
He further urged the people attending the rally to come attired in traditional clothing “to signify the safeguarding of our customs and traditions.”
While acknowledging Temsulemla (Ward 1, Independent) and Kerielhouvü Pfukha (Ward 23, NPF), who Nyekha said have voluntarily withdrawn, he expressed hope that more candidates in the fray will withdraw at the earliest possible time.
Wokha Village candidates forfeit candidature
Wokha, January 20 (MExN): Days after the deadline to withdraw nomination for the Urban Local Bodies’ elections has passed, all the intending candidates belonging to Wokha Village have decided to forfeit their candidature for the Wokha Town Council. This was done under pressure of the village which had made a resolution not to allow any of its members to contest in the election. The candidates signed an agreement with the public of the village in this regard on January 19.
This was informed by leaders of Wokha Village and some candidates during the meeting called by Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee on January 20 in Wokha Town. One woman candidate from Wokha Town also declared to forfeit her candidature during the meeting, according to the Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee.
Meanwhile, the meeting resolved that polling officers and presiding officers who take the Election Duty Certificate will be held responsible for any eventuality that befalls on Lotha people. The polling officers, presiding officers, polling agents who allow even a single vote to be cast in their Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were also warned the same. The meeting reiterated that the Lothas will boycott the election until and unless the norms of the Nagaland Municipal Act are modified.
