Assembly polls: NPF declares first list of 15 candidates

Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Friday formally handed over tickets to 15 candidates (first list) for the upcoming election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Election (NLA) at a programme held at party headquarters here on Friday. The NPF party also released its manifesto.
Speaking on the occasion, NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu admitted that it was a difficult task for the party leadership to choose candidates from among those who had sought tickets, but disclosed that ticket seekers were less this time compared to previous elections. He also said the NPF manifesto this time was the best compared to the previous ones.
He remarked that the ensuing election would be a fight between principled politics and money power.
Admitting that the party had faced setbacks due to “betrayal by the team captain and players”, but said they had scored suicide goals and surrendered to the opponent team. He assured that NPF stood firm on its foundation that could not be shaken by any force.
Liezietsu asserted that NPF was the only viable regional political party that was deeply rooted in the unique history of Nagas and that it was focused only on protecting democratic rights of the people, preserving culture and salvaging the socio-economic situation from the brink.
Touching on the historical roots of NPF, he said the oldest regional party would be celebrating 60 years of its existence and claimed that the party was concentrated on striving for a peaceful solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.
Speaking on the occasion, NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) leader Khuzoluzo Azo Nienu announced that the first phase of ticket distribution was complete and that more winnable candidates from Mokokchung and Zunheboto would be included in the second list. He mentioned that more from Eastern districts would also be joining the party and that the second phase of ticket distribution would be done on February 5.
He appealed to NPF workers to fight the election with commitment, mentioning that even though their number might be small, they could still help the party win by uniting and fight nepotism, favouritism, multiple taxation, lawlessness and bring back peace and tranquillity to the State. He alleged that the State was going from bad to worse and urged the crowd to pray for leaders having principles and integrity.
Though reduced to only four MLAs now, Nienu urged the party workers and supporters not to be disheartened but to have faith.
NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon briefly highlighted about the party manifesto and asserted that the party was chiefly focused on Naga political issue and that it would continue to pursue the integration of Naga homeland.
He said NPF would focus more on electoral reforms, support clean election movement, regulate Inner Line Permit (ILP), provide transparent and accountable governance, following austerity measures to curb corruption, ensure that resources coming into the State were utilised judiciously and deliver the goods to people at the grassroots
Kikon said the party would also focus on improving road infrastructure in the State and connect all interior areas, upgrade educational system and focus on youth to make them social assets.
Invocation was pronounced by Kohima Ao Baptist Church pastor Arep Tsudir, while an outline of the manifesto was presented by NPF working president and Manifesto Committee chairman Thunucho Tunyi.