Will boycott Nagaland polls, say all parties

GUWAHATI: All major political parties in Nagaland decided on Monday not to give tickets to candidates or file nominations for next month’s polls, reiterating the demand for a solution to the Naga political issue before assembly elections are held.

The decision taken in Kohima at a meeting called by the Core Committee of Naga Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) could impact the elections due next month.

The gazette notification for the elections is to be issued on January 31 while polling is scheduled on February 27.

The term of the present Nagaland assembly expires on March 14.

The influential Naga Hoho, which represents the 16 major tribes in the state, and other civil organisations had earlier urged the Election Commission to defer polls till a ‘final solution’ to the Naga issue was found.

In a joint declaration signed by leaders of 11 political parties, including the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) and other parties such as the BJP and the Congress, it was agreed to boycott the polls “in compliance with the wishes of the people”.

“We firmly believe that it is expedient for all political parties, both national and regional, to come together in the greater interest of the state in solidarity with the call Solution before Election and defer the elections to the 13th Nagaland legislative assembly and allow the Naga political process to reach its logical conclusion by giving space and time to the negotiating groups to bring out an early solution,” the declaration stated.