NSCN (I-M) objects to holding ULB elections on May 16

NSCN (I-M) has raised objection to the State Election Commission (SEC) notification of holding the elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on May 16, pointing out that May 16– ‘Naga Plebiscite’ was a “historic and auspicious day that made the Naga history so unique and revered should not be buried to fulfil local electoral process.”
Explaining what it takes to give historical importance to May 16, NSCN (I-M) through its MIP said that after the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, Naga Plebiscite was held on May 16, 1951 “to reaffirm the sovereign will and aspiration of the Nagas as declared on 14th August, 1947 to live as a free and a sovereign nation as ever.”
It maintained that this was an irrevocable solemn vow that defines the Naga people’s political identity as a nation. “Nagas have history and it is the defence of Naga history that Naga political struggle started and it is the recognition of Naga political issue that 1997 Indo-Naga Ceasefire was signed between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) to pave the way for political dialogue,” it stated.
NSCN (I-M) also reminded that “it takes blood, sweat and tears to keep the political struggle going to defend the political identity as given by God.”
Therefore, NSCN (I-M) said that the notification to conduct the Urban Local Body election on May 16, 2023, was an affront to the Naga national sentiment.
SEC had notified that the election to the ULBs with 33% reservation for women will be held on May 16 as the nomination filing will be from April 3-10.