Political parties not to file nomination papers ; ECI urged to defer Assembly election in Nagaland
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, January 27 2018:
Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) has petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) to defer the Assembly elections of the State of Nagaland.
On the other hand, no political party will file nominations in accordance with the wishes of the people, said CCNTHCO in a statement.
This decision was taken during a consultative meeting between political parties and CCNTHCO including the NPF, BJP, Congress, NPP, NDPP, NCP, Nagaland Congress, JD (U) and AAP.
In its petition to the ECI, the CCNTHCO mentioned the January 25 public consultative meeting resolution saying the people want deferment of the Assembly elections to a later date so as to allow bringing to a conclusion, in time, the peace dialogue between the Government of India and the Naga political groups.
"Rest assured the people of Nagaland are keen and determined to work with the ECI in exercising their franchise to have an elected Government.
However, we cannot participate in such an exercise till our desire for a political solution is met," the CCNTHCO petition to the ECI stated.
"The opportunity for a peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue has never been this favourable as the political negotiations are in advanced stage and we cannot afford to distract the focus on the process at any cost," the petition further said.
"We are aware that the Prime Minister is very determined to resolve the Naga issue.
The Government of India's Interlocutor RN Ravi along with the Naga negotiating teams, is also working hard and is determined to conclude the talks soon," it added.
The CCNTHCO petition to the ECI concluded by saying, "Your decision to defer the election will give crucial time that is needed now for the negotiations to have logical conclusion without allowing anything whatsoever to hamper it" .
Meanwhile, the CCNTHCO has convened a joint meeting of all National and regional political parties and negotiating teams NSCN-IM and Working Committee of NNNPGs on 'Solution before Election' at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on January 29 at 11 am.
The CCNTHCO expressed its "sincere appreciation" to all political parties, namely, NPF, BJP, Congress, NPP, NDPP, NCP, Nagaland Congress, JD (U) and AAP for "showing their magnanimity in whole heartedly" supporting the popular wishes of the people on "solution before election" as per the consultative meetings held between the political parties and CCNTHCO.
"In short, the political parties in accordance with the wishes of the people will not file nominations," the CCNTHCO stated.
"The CCNTHCO also knows the magnitude of the adverse ramifications on the ongoing negotiations if the State Assembly election is held simultaneously at the moment.
It is therefore not at all advisable to allow the process of election at the cost of solution which is expected soon after many anxious years," the CCNTHCO added.