Dimapur, Feb. 19 (EMN): In response to a reported statement of the Janata Dal (United) asking Wokha Village Council (WVC) to revoke its March 25 2017 resolution which resolved to support only a certain candidate during the forthcoming Nagaland assembly elections, the NPF of 38th Wokha assembly constituency has claimed that the resolution was not of the village council but of the ‘public.’Dimapur, Feb. 19 (EMN): In response to a reported statement of the Janata Dal (United) asking Wokha Village Council (WVC) to revoke its March 25 2017 resolution which resolved to support only a certain candidate during the forthcoming Nagaland assembly elections, the NPF of 38th Wokha assembly constituency has claimed that the resolution was not of the village council but of the ‘public.’“Traditionally, annual general meeting of a village is a time when village people gather to discuss issues faced by the people and also is a time for social audit. Therefore, the general meeting of March 25, 2017 at Wokha village was one as such and the resolution passed thereon is not of the Wokha Village Council but a resolution of the general people,” a press release from the president of the NPF at 38th Wokha assembly constituency, Yiben Tungoe, and General Secretary Thungbemo Tsanglao stated.The party explained that the village council “by convention acts only as an arbitrator and recorder of discussions and resolutions passed by the people during annual general meeting, and in no way the WVC has taken any unilateral decision by itself.”With regard to YM Humtsoe, a JD (U) candidate of 38th Wokha assembly constituency, the NPF unit stated that it was his constitutional right to contest in the elections and that the village authority in no way stood to oppose his candidature. Also, the unit stated that the WVC was acting as a facilitator for all the candidates and had arranged a ‘common platform’ for all the three candidates of the constituency on Feb. 15. They were invited to Wokha village to stand and talk about their aims, objectives and desires besides speaking about their party’s manifestos to the people.“This is a clear indication of the WVC neutral stand and concern for all the candidates irrespective of their party affiliations,” the press release stated.However, it is unfortunate that the JD (U) candidate did not turn up for the event, the NPF unit stated.The NPF provided the following notes in support of their claims (given in verbatim):“1. That while still in govt. service he had declared his candidature on 26th July 2017, and was also seen openly canvassing, which is in clear violation of Nagaland Govt. Servant Conduct Rules, 1968 and Section 171G of IPC. Further, he had organized his candidature dedication programme on 06.09.2017 at Humtso village. It may be noted that as per Government notification his retirement date was with effect from 30th Sept 2017 (AN). 2. That after the declaration of his candidature, his wife Smti. Liponi Humtsoe, Project Director, DRDA misused her official responsibility by selecting a section of people as beneficiaries from Wokha Village without the knowledge of Village Development and Management Board (VDMB) against the Govt. sponsored Piggery Farming whereby directly enticing/soliciting the electorate in favour of her Husband, Shri. Y.M. Humtsoe, thereby commits an offence of Bribery which is a punishable offence under section 171B and 171E of IPC.3. That on 06-09-2017 while on his way to Humtso Village for declaration of his candidature, some supporters of Shri. Y.M. Humtsoe JD(U) candidate, had fired upon some local youths of Wokha, Humtso and Elumyo Village using sophisticated arms (0.22 MP5 Rifle) committing an offence punishable under section 125 (1B) Arms Act 1959 and in this regard an FIR was also lodged at Wokha Police Station.4. That on 18th January 2018, one Shri. Tumcobemo Kikon of Vungoju Colony, Wokha Town, a known supporter of Y.M. Humtsoe, violently attacked the family of Shri. Etsoromo Yanthan and ended up shooting his son, E. Renbithung Yanthan and for which an FIR has been lodged at Police Station Wokha. The accused is still absconding.”
