Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 16
Candidates who filed nominations to the Municipal and Town Council elections continue to sit in a tight spot as threat of excommunication from tribal bodies on one hand and penalization under party constitutions on the other continue to shadow them.
As deadline given by the different civil organizations to the intending candidates for withdrawal of the nominations drew close, more candidates succumbed to pressure and withdrew their nominations on Monday while others took to standing on the fence stating that they would withdraw only if the NPF candidates withdrew their nominations first. According to a DIPR report, all together 15 candidates for the Nagaland Municipal Elections withdrew their candidatures on January 16, 2017 which include four each from Meluri and Chumukedima, three from Dimapur, one each from Chozuba, Tening, Zunheboto and East Dimapur withdrew. A total of 68 candidates have withdrawn till date, the DIPR report added.
BJP candidates for DMC to withdraw nomination if NPF does
In Dimapur, eleven BJP candidates who filed nominations to the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) announced that they being bonafide members and affiliated to own respective tribal apex bodies have decided to respect and consider the decision of the apex bodies to withdraw from the race.
However, the candidates spelled out that the final decision to withdraw their nominations would solely depend on the NPF candidates withdrawing their nominations in the first place. “This decision has been taken firmly since we cannot afford to be on the losing side if we withdraw our nominations first and the NPF candidates do not follow suit,” the eleven BJP candidates from ward 19, 22, 17, 23, 11, 16, 20, 21, 1, 7 and 6 informed.
The Lotha Hoho on the other hand claimed that two candidates namely Echungbeni, Independent candidate, of ward No.6, and Khamongo Humtsoe, BJP party candidate, of ward No.7, have withdrawn their nominations.
It also informed that NPF working president Mhonthung Patton and press secretary Mhanthungo Kikon apologised for inability to attend the January 14 meeting and signed an undertaking to respect the decisions of the Lotha Hoho during a meeting held on Monday with the NPF party leaders.
The Hoho also reminded that the BJP candidates had assured to withdraw their nominations if the NPF withdrew theirs.
8 from Kiphire to withdraw nomination
From Kiphire, 8 candidates for the Kipihre Town Council said they have resolved to withdraw their nomination papers as and when directed upon. On behalf of intending candidates Shashikala, intending Independent candidate ward No-3 said the decision was taken in the interest of the Nagas and the ENPO joint emergency consultative meeting with 6 (six) tribal federating units and frontal units on January 14, 2017 in connection to the impending issues to the ULBs election in Nagaland.
However, the candidates said it would withdraw the nomination in serial wise as per in nomination serial number to the Returning Officer.
In Zunheboto, one Independent candidate Zhehoto from Alahuto ward 5 withdrew his nomination papers from the Zunheboto Town Council election in order to support the NPF candidate Kikheto.
The NPF Zunheboto Division president Akavi Sumi said 7 NPF candidates are now unopposed, out of 13 wards.
Naga Council Dimapur summons DMC candidates
The Naga Council Dimapur has reiterated its earlier resolution and urged the candidates to withdraw their nomination papers latest by January 17. It warned that failing to comply with the order, the NCD shall fully endorse and support whatever decision the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) comprising of Ao, Lotha, Sumi, Angami and Chakesang tribes takes in accordance with the Naga customary law.
It further directed all the candidates irrespective of all political parties including Independent candidates and tribal union office bearers to report to Lotha Hoho ki, DC court junction at 9 am failing which it warned that the NCD, GBs and DUCCF of Dimapur would collectively take stringent action against the absentee (s).
KTC for Noklak town council elections
The Khiamiungan Tribal Council (KTC) in an emergency meeting on Monday resolved to hold town council elections at Noklak town, based on the January 4 resolution adopted by the ENPO to leave it to the understanding and responsibility of the respective tribes.
No 50-hour bandh along NH-2: Chuchuyimlang VC
The Chuchuyimlang Village Council (CVC) has refuted the report on the 50-hour total bandh call along National Highway-2 by the Merangkong and Chuchuyimlang village councils, which was widely circulated on social media platforms on Monday.
“Some miscreants are trying to malign the names of Chuchuyimlang and Merangkong villages by circulating a forged document without bearing any signature declaring bandh in National Highway-2. We clarify that there is no social unrest or disturbances of any kind within the jurisdiction of Chuchuyinlang and Merangkong villages that would warrant calling a bandh,” a press note from Chuchuyimlang VC chairman, Ao Sanen Pongen stated. While strongly condemning such criminal act, it assured that the wrongdoers would be dealt with seriously.
