LOOKEAST REPORT
Naga People’s Front solemnly pledging “allegiance to the principle of socialism, secularism and democracy” has decided to participate in the February 27 assembly election.
But the NSCN(IM) has decided to support the decision of some Naga political parties to oppose the election until a final settlement of the Naga issue.
A NSCN(IM) statement said the decision was taken after due consideration of all factors impinging on the Naga issue.
NSCN(IM) directive to all its Brigade Commanders
Analysts see this as pressure tactics to push Delhi to work for an early settlement of the Naga problem after 31 years of negotiations.
In a significant move the national party BJP decided to go ahead to field candidates in the forthcoming state elections after denouncing the January 29 joint declaration.
The NPF reiterating it’s commitment towards the Naga political solution said, it is “always for early and honourable solution to the Naga political problem”.
Analysts see this as pressure tactics to push Delhi to work for an early settlement of the Naga problem after 31 years of negotiations
As far back as in 1964, the party’s legislators resigned once ceasefire agreement was signed between the Government of India and the Naga nationalist group, NPF said in a communique: “In 1998, heeding the call of the civil societies and the underground groups, the party had refrained from participating in the Assembly elections which resulted in the Election Commission of India derecognizing the party freezing the symbol of the party”.
On December 15, 2017, the NPF-led DAN Government adopted a resolution on the floor of the Assembly to urge the Government of India to bring a solution to the Naga political issue before elections, and this resolution was further endorsed by the Central Executive Council of the NPF on January 23, 2018.
NPF maintained that the Government of India has repeatedly pointed out that holding of timely elections was a constitutional requisite and that the Centre was bound by constitutional provisions.
Therefore, appears that election scheduled for February 27 is a reality.
“If all Naga NGOs/ political parties could not arrive at a consensus on deferment of elections, NPF as a recognized political party cannot be an exception to participating in the upcoming general elections” NPF stated.
The NPF as a party, has solemnly pledged allegiance to the principle of socialism, secularism and democracy. “However, our commitment towards solution of the Naga political issue shall continue as in the past”.
BJP is yet to release its list. According to party sources it may announce its first list in a day or two only after consultation with its allies NPF.
State election department has confirmed that till Friday evening no one has filed nomination in any of the 60 assembly segments.
Sources said some security force personal on election duty sustained injuries after their truck met with an accident near Chenmoho under Mon district today. ■