Naga People’s Front leaders open up on ULB election in Nagaland

KOHIMA: Naga People’s Front (NPF) party’s recently elected MLAs — Kuzholuzo Nienu and Achumbemo Kikon — have raised concern over the controversy around the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, saying that the state government should listen to the voices of the people.

The duo called a press briefing after a felicitation-cum-thanksgiving programme at the NPF Central Headquarters in Kohima on Saturday.

Speaking about the government’s recent notification on election to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state, Kikon said they were issuing a statement following a meeting with the party working committee on March 17 evening.

“We have taken stock of the situation because of the variation of opinions coming up from various civil societies as well as individuals and therefore, we had a discussion within the working committee,” he informed.

Kikon stressed on the need of arriving at a consensus on the demand for amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 by some organisations before going to ULB poll.

“We don’t want to experience the 2017 episode,” he said while recalling the dreadful incident that led to the loss of two lives damaging properties.

“This episode should never be repeated and therefore, we are extremely concerned about this (ULB election issue),” Kikon said.

Maintaining that NPF is talking from its bad past experience, Nienu said they feel the government should listen to the voices of the people, adding that government wants to conduct the ULB elections as the Centre will not allocate funds to the state if it does not conduct the poll.

“I think the government should listen to the people and withhold the elections till it is resolved and at least review the Municipal Act 2001,” said Neinu, who is also the leader of NPF Legislature party.

“I feel the voices of the people are higher than the Supreme Court,” he said in regard to the standing order of the apex court, which has directed Nagaland to conduct the election.

“If there are going to be killings, threats to life and property, how can the Supreme Court enforce it?” he asked, adding that the court “is also there to listen to the people”. He opined that it will not be a problem even if the election is postponed by three or four months. Citing its failure to conduct the ULB election in 2017, he said, “We know our mistakes; that is why we are advising the government to listen to the people.”