Forced ending for a proponent of clean elections

Atono Tsükrü
Kohima, Jan. 18 (EMN): Hopes were flying high when Rev. Dr. Mazie Nakhro, a theologian from Jostoma Village from 8th Western Angami constituency announced his decision to contest the Nagaland assembly election on Jan. 14 last. People, particularly the younger lot, see him as an honest and upright man.
Rev. Nakhro, came back to Jotsoma village after living in the US for 27 years with a mission to bring some change in the state.
Announcing his candidature through a video clip that went viral in social media, Nakhro said: “After living in the US for 27 years, now I have come back home to Nagaland. The way I see it Nagas are heading in the wrong direction and if we continue on this path, I am afraid we are on the path of self destruction”.
He continued: “I believe we have to do something about it. With this concern, I would like to announce that I am stepping out to contest in the upcoming general election in the Western Angami constituency…..Together we can do something to bring change and security to our future”.
However, after two days of this announcement, he had to withdraw his candidature under pressure that was eventually declared in the media by his clan and village.
Talking to Eastern Mirror on this issue, Nakhro said he had to withdraw his candidature under pressure, as his clan had ‘lost hope on him and wanted to have another person from his clan whom they think is a winnable candidate’.
He said 3-4 months prior to his announcement he had put a challenge to the intending candidates from his constituency if they can meet two requirements: to stand for clean election and for change in Nagaland.
With the election approaching and their hesitation to commit themselves for the cause, Rev. Nakhro said he decided to enter into the fray and contest as a clean candidate for a change.
It was told that after his announcement, the elders of his clan came to meet him and requested him to step aside in favour of the candidate of their choice stating that ‘if you stand for clean election, you will not win. You will never win at a time like this.’
His relatives, as told by Rev. Nakhro, became worried that he will lose the election as the other candidates have already invested too much money by the time he announced his candidature. He also clarified that neither his relatives or clan were against him as such but rather they think if he contest on clean election line he don’t stand a chance to win.
However, he didn’t cow down by the fear of losing or pressure. Instead he put up the challenge to the elders of his clan to step aside on condition that the candidate will follow ‘clean election, stand for change and reform and not conform’ or find another constituency for him to stand. Both of which were not fulfilled.
He also confirmed that young people started to give him pressure asking him to come at a certain place through a phone call at 10 pm and when he refused they came in group at his place, opened the main door and came inside.
The agitated youth, he said, asked him to get up stating ‘if you want to win election you should not be sleeping’. He however, kept quiet and prayed inside his room.
As he was intimidated the next day too, with the youth gathered on the street, Rev. Nakhro said he had to withdraw his candidature under pressure whereby it was agreed upon that they will not interfere in what he believes and let him continue his fight for change.
Though things turned out differently, Rev. Nakhro asserted that he will continue to fight for the youth. Rev. Nakhro who has a special concern for the youth said he is saddened to see the plight of the young people of the state with the political chaos and unrest with no opportunities for the youth to grow and develop.
“My desire is to do anything possible for the young people because they deserve it. That is their right”.