Want solution to insurgency issue before elections, says Naga Hoho

The Naga Hoho, an apex Naga tribal body, on Sunday objected to the holding of elections in Nagaland next month before the insurgency issue in the state was resolved and indicated that it may ask political parties to boycott the polls.

A delegation of the Naga Hoho, which has been camping in the national capital for the last few days, met several central leaders, including home minister Rajnath Singh and voiced their opposition to the polls before a peace pact between the Centre and the Naga rebel group NSCN-IM.

“All tribals, civil society, political leaders have come together and said in once voice that they want a solution to the Naga issue before elections,” Naga Hoho president Chuba Ozukum said.

The 60-member Nagaland assembly will go to polls on February 27.

Asked about their course of action, Ozukum said: “We will be compelled to ask candidates not to contest the polls.” “At any cost, we do not want polls. The people of Nagaland want solution not elections,” he said.

The Naga Hoho president said the home minister told them the Centre would continue its peace initiative in Nagaland, and asked them to cooperate in the election process. “The home minister said the Centre is committed to finding a political solution,” he said.

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