Noting that the upcoming urban local body (ULB) elections were a domestic affair with the intention of bringing the much-needed development in the colonies in urban sector, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) appealed the candidates to take the opportunity to give a fair fight without outside interference.
NJCF vice-president Rev Dr N Paphino underscored that the ULB elections were a hard-earned effort to bring change at the grassroots level in the state, reminding the people that for a very long time they did not have this opportunity to look after their own affairs.
Stressing that everything could not be politicised, he insisted, “Our domestic affairs should be looked after by people who are qualified to bring change to our urban sectors. We must say to ourselves we know our problem and we can handle it. This should be our attitude this time around.”
He said the candidates who were contesting from different colonies should not be sandwiched between party politics, adding that this was after all domestic affairs. He mentioned that they were contesting because they saw the need to bring change at the grassroots level. Hence, he cautioned that if the good intention was spoiled with dirty politics this time, “we may not be able to see whatever is there for us.”
With this concern in mind, Paphino appealed the voters to once again retrospect on the God-given gift to caste their precious vote with much prayer and Christian conscience, and vote for the right candidate to represent them in the urban setting.
He also appealed the candidates to play a fair game and not to intimidate with money power, which might lead to another political game. For those going to the poll to vote, he reminded them to do what was right and honorable in the sight of God.