Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 9
Strategically located Diphupar village today played host to three political stalwarts – NPF’s Khekiho Zhimomi, Congress’ Hewoto Awomi and Independent candidate Dr. Khakheto Zhimomi– in a joint campaign platform. The three are contesting in the forthcoming state elections, from 4 Ghaspani-1 Assembly Constituency. All the three leaders addressed the crowd, mostly in Nagamese. Independent candidate Dr. Khakheto Zhimomi expressed concern that elections are ever characterized by “mitha, mitha kotha” and no action. Rather, he explained, let the promises be translated into action to building people and society. Dr. Zhimomi had a truism to illustrate his point: ‘Repeat a lie 100 times and everybody thinks it’s a truth.’ He cautioned the electorate against such tendencies and rather, he urged to judge by performance and concern.
He further observed that elections in Nagaland, with particular reference, are totally different from those in other states. Here, Dr. Zhimomi explained, it is difficult for the people to vote for a candidate, unless he happens to enjoy a level of familiarity with them. On matters of welfare, the Independent candidate urged the youths not to be confined to government employment avenues. The government-job-only mindset has to be broken and youths should move beyond, he implied. Drawing an instance, he pointed that there are about 30,000 vacant military officers’ posts, because, he explained youths today are moving into the private sector. ‘Look beyond the borders’ Dr. Zhimomi advised. He reminded the gathering that he is their servant and would serve under their aspirations.
Dr. Zhimomi also donated Rs. 50, 000 to the Diphupar Village Council as expenses that went into arranging the platform. For former NPF legislator now-joined Congress candidate Hewoto Awomi, his message was all about going ‘back to the people for verdict.’ Awomi expressed assurance that the people are in perfect knowledge of who their right leader is. ‘You don’t need teaching them (the people) who is a political leader, what is a political leader and what an issue is’ and ‘we are here to see who the right leader is.’ He explained that “under God, there is the people” and for all leaders, it is ‘back to the people.’ Nevertheless, Hewoto said to be remembered by way of votes to “make Diphupar a model village.” He also encouraged the gathered citizens to strive in unison in the common interests of welfare. “Let our performance lead the decision of the people and let God decide…” he concluded.
Appreciating the resolutions passed by the Diphupar Village Council to ensure free and fair election, he appealed to the people of 4th Ghaspani-I Assembly Constituency, especially the youth of all the parties to restrain themselves from being provocative or confront each other whatsoever to allow violence-free election in the constituency. Former Industries & Commerce minister Khekiho Zhimomi, in his brief address, spoke mainly on the Naga political situation. Reiterating the NPF’s commitment to negotiated settlement of the protracted Indo-Naga, the leader made a call to all in concern to be partakers in finding a lasting solution. Zhimomi observed that the dream of the Naga spectrum for self-determination, however, is still alive. For this regard, there can be no shying away from the commitment to achieving the shared aspiration of peace through mutual initiative in finding a solution. The NPF leader also took a potshot at the Congress: ‘The Bedrock of Naga Society undermined the Naga political issue.’
The DVC on its part, highlighted to the three leaders, the need for proper roads in the village as well as a proper building for the Government High school. DVC chairman K Kapfo made special mention of the village’s high school: He said it is a “guru laka khor” (cowshed). During elections, he observed, so much money is spent in trying to secure power. But after it, he added, there is no money for development or time for the people or constituency.
Initially perceived to be in the way of debate between the three political biggies, the platform, nonetheless, offered them a shot at sharing their visions for the constituency if put to power.
The meeting, held at Diphupar village local ground, was attended by about an approximate two thousand, including organizations and civil leaders as well as supporters of the political candidates in tow.
Mention may be made here that the village council has prohibited setting up any political youth camps or campaigns in the village. Outsiders are also banned from entering the jurisdiction on the polling day, March 5.
