Kohima: Election campaign by various political parties is slowly gaining momentum for the February 23 Nagaland Assembly election and reports of minor poll-related violence are coming from Mokokchung district.
Nagaland Minister of Health and Family Welfare Kuzholuzo Neinu kicked off the 2013 election campaign in Dzulhami village, under Phek Assembly Constituency yesterday where thousands of supporters including officials from Central NPF and Phek district NPF party joined the campaign.
The campaign coincided with the 42nd Social and Cultural Day of Dzulhami village at Ruzhuzho under Phek district.
He said the development can only be achieved with the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Government returning to power and therefore sought the support of the villagers. He also sought guidance from the villagers and was optimistic that DAN would return to power for the third term. He also appealed to the electorates to choose candidates who culd felicitate better services to the community.
Former chief minister K. L. Chishi and CLP Leader Tokheho Yepthomi have already declared their constituencies.
The Congress party is yet to prepare the list of candidates but it was decided that tickets would be given to all MLAs. However, the list of the candidates would be prepared by the Election Committee of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee.
According to sources there are some villages or constituencies under Mokokchung district, which are very sensitive and the situation may turn volatile. But with the arrival of the Central paramilitary forces and also more state police forces into the district, the situation would be under control.
There were reports of poll-related violence in some villages like in Mongsenyimti village, Chungtiavillage, Khar village and the latest being in Longmisa village in Mokokchung district. It was reported that there was a ‘tense situation’ in Longmisa village on the night of January 13.
Police sources in Mokokchung refused to divulge details.They said these are minor differences and the situation is under control.
Elections in Mokokchung had experienced violence in the past and were incidents of deaths and grievous injuries to supporters. The candidates may apply money and muscle power which might turn the situation volatile. But, with the tickets yet to be distributed by the major political parties, there is only subtle politicking, except in some villages.
Another sensitive area is Dimapur, where poll- violence may occur. However, elaborate arrangements were made by state Police Department to thwart such kind of political violence. (UNI)