New Delhi, February 6 (MExN): The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) met with the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Om Prakash Rawat and his colleagues on February 2 to “apprise him and seek intervention on the issues pertaining to deferment of Nagaland State Assembly election at the backdrop of the Naga people’s desire for an early solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem.” In a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, the delegation highlighted the prevailing “grim situation” in Nagaland after the Naga people’s collective decision for deferment of election, stated a press release from NSA president, Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan and joint secretary, Dr. Lungthuiyang Riamei. “It was clearly put forward that the Election Commission being an independent constitutional authority on election matters is bound to take cognizance of the ground reality in Nagaland and respect the sentiment of the Naga people for whom, by whom and of whom election should be conducted,” it said. The delegation, according to the release, also cautioned that “should the Government of India decide to impose election in Nagaland ignoring the expressed desire of the people, the process and outcome of the election would be against the democratic norm.” The NSA delegation also submitted the representation of the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) to the Chief Election Commissioner of India on “Deferment of Election for Nagaland announced on 18 January 2018 in the Interest of Peace and Tranquility” at the request of the said Core Committee. Rawat along with his five colleagues responded that the Commission will look into the representation and take necessary steps, the release informed. The Commission further assured to examine the representation and assess the ground situation pertaining to Nagaland State Assembly election 2018 and convey to the delegation if necessary, NSA added.
