Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 20
The first Tuensang People’s Summit for free, fair and accountable election 2008 saw overwhelming response by both public and leaders. The summit was attended by people from all 120 villages of the district. Pastors, village council leaders and student leaders of the 120 villages attended the session. The Church complex which seats 2000 was packed and all attentively sat through the six-hour long meeting. The entire summit was relayed live through cable network and the street saw a deserted look since a majority of the public stayed indoors.
Of the seven standing MLAs in Tuensang, five senior members came to speak on the occasion. The MLAs present during the summit were H. Chuba Chang, P Chuba Chang, Heno Khiamniungan, Yamakam Yimchunger, Imtilemba Sangtam.
The summit began with introductory speech by Chingmak Kejong. He briefed the intent of the summit as ‘as an attempt to develop a platform for evolving constructive consensus for addressing issue-based concerns through collective action’. The invocation was offered by Dr. Anjo followed by the introduction of all 17 intending members from the Khiamniungan Tribe.
The issues raised by the candidates were around unity, secularism, progress and development. The recurrent theme by the speakers was poverty and marginalization. Of the 15 speakers one senior member apologized for the past wrongs and admitted that despite the opportunity given he could not fulfill in the past. But he promised to work for development and HIV.
One of the student who spoke of ‘what I expect of my leaders’, challenged the leaders to be honest, original and committed to the cause of the people. He spoke of the poor condition of roads and rampant illiteracy. He said quality of leadership is still wanting and as such none seems to qualify for the post of Chief Minister. The Chang Tribe was represented by eleven intending candidate. The members are H. Chuba, P. Chuba. H. Chaanglemba, L. Elem, N. Kaimang, Komaimlong, Limaonen, CM Chang, N. Kejong, Nungsanglemba, H. Wongto. The members stressed on the need for peace above all. One member spoke of human development as the key to development.
The Sangtam candidates are Thingchum, RL Akhumba, Tsipongse, Sashi, Imtilemba. The Yimchunger R. Yamakam, W. Akhumba, M. Rukimong. The Khamiungans are Sedem, Haying, Khuming, Khaoshai, Ngon, Khomo, Aimong, Chengkong, Heno, Khaiko, Khongo, Pakhio, Peshu, Shengnyu, Khumo and Pongom. Ebou a young graduate when speaking on ‘what I expect of our leaders’ commented that politicians abuse youth for their selfish gains. “Women should be allowed to vote. Election and celebration are synonymous and as such politicians should not abuse the young. He said ‘Nation workers don’t come to us with MLAs money to harass us. Stay clear of politics.’ Youth should be primary focus in any manifesto”, the youth stated.
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