Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) comprising of Ao, Lotha, Sumi, Chakhro Angami and Chakhesang tribes on Friday upped the ante to reaffirm its stand against conduct of ULB elections by calling for a mass public rally “against the state government for conduct of ULB elections” on January 23 at 11 a.m at State Stadium Dimapur.
The decision to call for the mass rally was made during a consultative meeting Friday at Lotha Hoho Ki Dimapur, attended by the apex tribal bodies of JCC, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), Angami Public Organisation (APO), Central Naga Tribes Council (CNTC), Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), GBs Union, Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Church leaders, and those candidates who had withdrawn their nominations.
In this regard, the committee has requisitioned a minimum of 5000 members each from the Angami, Sumi, and Ao community, 3000 from Lotha tribe, 1000 from Chakhesang tribe, and 1000 from ENPO to assemble at the State Stadium on January 23 by 11 a.m in traditional attire.
JCC has also extended invitation to all non-Nagas and other public in support of the cause to attend the proposed rally. At the meeting, the JCC members came down heavily on candidates who were yet to withdraw the nomination papers and accused them of fighting the elections “for personal and political gain”.
The committee has once again fervently appealed to the candidates to back out from contesting the elections. JCC warned that “due course of action will be initiated against them” if they defy they appeal.
Meanwhile, JCC acknowledged and congratulated Independent candidate Temsulemla (DMC Ward 1) and NPF candidate Kereilhouvi Pfukha (DMC ward 23) for heeding to the call of the Nagas by deciding to withdraw from the elections.
Further, JCC also announced that DUCCF and Dimapur GBs Union had extended support and solidarity with the committee.
Earlier at the meeting, leaders and representatives from various organisations spoke on the issue, with many suggesting action plans towards thwarting the conduct of the ULB elections slated to be held on February 1. Candidates who had withdrawn nominations also spoke at the meeting wherein they maintained that they had listened to the people and the JCC’s call. The candidates also urged the JCC to deliver justice by taking action against those “erring” candidates.
Members also proposed demanding resignation of all 60 legislators in the present NLA. However, no resolution in this regard was adopted.