NBCC, KLH concerned over pre-poll violence

Dimapur, Feb. 9 (EMN): As the state gears up for the state election, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed its grave concern and strongly condemned all forms of pre-poll violence which had taken placed in the state recently ‘including threats, use of cash, and weapons. The council called upon all in concern to immediately end the poll related violence, ‘which has caused harm to the public, animosity amongst the citizens and destruction of properties.’ “All must, therefore, adhere to democratic norms and regard the other with full respect of their fundamental human rights and allow peaceful assembly and free speech” the press release stated. The NBCC also appreciated authorities in concern and paramilitary forces for keeping strict vigil against illegal elements including inflow of liquor and arms. Such watchful effort must continue to curb any unwanted situation, it added. The council further expressed happiness over some of its constituent associations who have been actively engaged in the Clean Election Campaign movement. Also, the Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) stated that it is deeply concerned over the repeated election related violence in Wokha district. “We condemn all such violence; be election related or not and at the same time it is universal truth that no amount of justification by any individual or organization can absolve violence because violence is violence,” a press release issued by the hoho chairman and secretary on Fri. stated. Expressing pain over the violence reported in 38th Wokha constituency and 37th Tyui assembly constituency, the hoho hoped and prayed that ‘such narrow minded activities do not occur at any other place.’ “Kohima Lotha Hoho is clear in our minds and hearts that we are not in favour of any candidate or political party. Our one and only concern is that violence has no place in any reasonable society for the fact that violence is not only a result of narrow mindedness and vested interest but an exhibition of one’s intolerant attitude. And such mentality will only bring disgrace to oneself and society,” the press release stated. The Lotha hoho of Kohima fervently appealed to all the candidates and party workers not to allow mischievous individuals to perpetuate violence. “Let it be known to the candidates that violence created by their narrow minded party workers or individual voters will only bring shame and disgrace to the candidate and the community,” it added.