IMPHAL, April 29: `NSCN-IM has threatened that only fresh non- Congress candidates will be favoured during the Autonomous District Council election in the State, which is a direct threat to Congress candidates` deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said today reiterating a statement he had made at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute earlier today.
Gaikhangam was speaking at the Souvenir release function of the Autonomous District Council, Chandel which was held at Hotel Imphal today.
On the positive side, this seems to indicate that they (NSCN-IM) would like to partake in the mainstream democratic process of this country, which implies a deviation from their earlier political position.
We welcome such gestures to give up violence and join mainstream politics, he remarked.
Earlier in the day, the deputy Chief Minister told media persons at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) has dictated all aspiring candidates of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections, that they cannot represent the Congress party in the hill districts.
The enforcement is particularly effective in Ukhrul and Senapati district, he continued.
Replying to media queries, he said according to the NSCN (IM) dictum candidates cannot contest for the ADC membership with Congress ticket but there is no ban on other parties, the Naga People`™s Front regional party is endorsed by the NSCN (IM).
High proxy voting is expected in remote areas of the hill districts as the NSCN (IM) will surely enforce and intimidate voters to vote for the (IM) sponsored candidate only. Lots of disturbance is expected at the June 1 polls, he continued.
The deputy Chief Minister who also holds the Home Department portfolio mentioned that the State intelligence has received infomation about the outfit`™s ban on the Congress party in the hills.
He stated that the outfit appears to be non-believers of the Indian Constitution, but engages in the prcess of democratic exercise of voting, though by using force.
The matter is clear that they no longer have any belief in their objective and seeks to join the mainstream again through elections, he continued.
`We in the government do feel happy in one way, they have realized the true nature of things and that they are going in the wrong direction. So, directly or indirectly, it is a surrender of sorts.` Gaikhangam had said adding that it is a welcomed stance, but selection of candidates should not be forced upon the people.
At the souvenir release function at Hotel Imphal, Gaikhangam said it is a birthright to partake in the election.
`This souvenir is the photographic evidence of the MDCs`™ performance in the last five years` he said congratulating the ADC members.
The function was also attended by D. Korungthang, MLA and Lhukhosei Zou as the guest of honour and president.
Autonomous District Councils were revived in 2010 after 22 years of defunct period, owing to the demand for Six Schedule, he said.
The present government strives to develop the hills and the plains equally but some parties are flaunting wrong message that we do nothing. Under the inclusive infrastructure development in hill districts we have constructed the mini secretariats in the district head quarters and have completed in the block levels too, he said.
The minister also uphold the people of Chandel district for maintaining a cohesive peaceful inter community relationship despite the fusion of multiple tribes.
Chandel is opening up to the international trade with Moreh becoming the ultimate tourist destination now, he said in a hopeful note.
The souvenir has profiled all the 26 members of District Council from Chandel District. It highlights the achievements of the Autonomous District Council Chandel in the last five years in primary education, health services, agriculture, veterinary and public works.
In Primary Education the report shows 172 vacant posts against the sanction post of 1077. Interestingly, despite this discrepancy five teachers were utilized in ADC office and another three by the Education minister.
Only three staff comprising of an assistant engineer and two section officers run the PWD/ADC Chandel along with a contractual road mohhorer and a driver.
In Veterinary department, existing staff strength is only nine against 18 approved sanction posts, since nine retired and expired staff are yet to be replaced.
These nine staffs cover the whole district through the eight veterinary dispensaries/centres including two buildingless veterinary dispensaries at Purum Khullen and Longja.
In Medical department 11 posts were sanctioned including the ambulance driver, nine post are filled and three remains vacant with an additional 14 shortfall posts, according to the report.