NPF all set to field candidates in Eastern Nagaland: Achumbemo Kikon says party compelled to field candidates

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) today held a crucial Working Committee meeting to discuss the party’s poll preparedness for the ensuing assembly elections. Besides, the NPF is also mulling to field candidates in the Eastern Nagaland areas.

This indeed is a significant development since people in the Eastern Nagaland areas have decided to abstain from participating in the elections over the non-fulfillment of their demand for creation of a Frontier Nagaland.

Speaking to Northeast Live, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon confirmed about the deliberations also focused on finalizing the list of candidates for the ensuing elections.

As far as fielding candidates in the ENPO area is concerned, the NPF leader said the party respects the sentiments of the people, while clearly stating that his party has a setup in almost all the 60-constituencies of the poll-bound state.

Kikon said, “We respect the sentiments and aspirations of the ENPO area. We also acknowledge their effort, however, for us we are a party that has a party set up in almost all the constituencies including the ENPO area therefore being a political party it is in a way I said we will be compelled to set up candidates. But, definitely we will respect the sentiments of our people from the ENPO area.”

When asked about how soon the party will be announcing it’s list of candidates, Kikon said, “there are many candidates who are seeking their party ticket and the committee is examining minutely all the applications.”

He added, “candidatures of each constituency will be thoroughly examined and after that the party will take the final decision in a day or two.”

However, the NPF leader stated that the party is yet to decide on the number of seats it will be contesting. Kikon informed that the party will announce the list of candidates and release the party manifesto by February 2 or 3.

When asked if the NPF is ready to give a good fight to the BJP and the NDPP, Kikon said, “Well for us it is not only for this election. Even in the past NPF has shown up, we have fought a good fight. And, the results You have seen in the last elections also, we have won 26 seats out of the 59 seats we had set up.

The strike rate is immense. And definitely we will put a strong contender in all the constituencies as far as possible.”

Kikon exuded confidence and said, “I hope people love this party, they will support us.”