KOHIMA, APRIL 7 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) has written to the Election Commission of India, demanding an inquiry into what it termed as the “unconstitutional and anti-democratic conduct” of Shambu Singh, Joint Secretary (NE), MHA. The letter, signed by NPF Working President, Apong Pongener to the Election Commissioner, alleged that the Joint Secretary had “tried to prevent” Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio from visiting Manipur state on campaign.
NPF informed that on March 29 and 31, the Nagaland CM was scheduled to campaign for the NPF candidate at Tamei and Tamenlong followed by Chandel and Ukhrul in Manipur. It stated that for this purpose, the NPF and the CM’s office had obtained all necessary clearances from all agencies concerned, including the government of Manipur for helicopter service.
However, it alleged that “instructions were issued by the above mentioned officer of the MHA directing the Assam Rifles officers not to allow the helicopter of the Nagaland CM to land in Manipur.” As such, the Nagaland CM was informed by senior officers of the state government, including the RO that the CM’s helicopter would not be allowed to land in Manipur. These messages were informed to the CM through phone and text messages, it said. “However, since the election commission of India had not given any such direction in black and white, the Chief Minister proceeded to Manipur as per the schedule submitted to the ECI,” the letter added.
The NPF called upon the ECI to immediately inquire into the conduct and behavior of the official concerned and demanded that unless such investigation is completed, “he should be placed under suspension.” It termed the official’s actions as having undermined the role of the ECI and that it “brought disrepute to the world’s largest democracy.” It stated that though the official had denied giving any such instructions, through the media, NPF stated that there are phone records and text messages, “which confirm that Shambhu Singh had given the instructions.” “This was through officers of the Assam Rifles and the election commission,” it alleged.
It further reminded that the Nagaland government had urged upon the government of India not to appoint any officer belonging to cadre of any NE state, in the MHA in charge of the NE, in order to maintain neutrality and fairness.
