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KOHIMA — The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate for 1-Nagaland Parliamentary election, Dr. Chumben Murry, on Tuesday alleged that atrocities inflicted against the Nagas were committed during the Congress regime.
“The controversial law Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958, which is operational in Nagaland till date, was also instituted by the Congress,” alleged Dr. Murry while addressing the campaign rally at Tseminyu town hall.
He stated that it was after the former BJP Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who recognised the "unique history" of the Nagas in 2003 that central leaders began to have a relook at the Naga issue.
“There is a change in the perception among central leaders over the years. More than 70 central leaders had visited Nagaland in the last five years and is well acquainted with the developmental needs of the state, its culture and traditions,” he said and expressed hope that BJP led NDA government will come to power.
He further added that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has 'special affinity' for Nagaland. Though NDPP is a regional party, BJP care for the party, he added.
“The NDPP alliance with BJP in the state is the right thing to do as that will benefit all the Nagas,” he said.
Responding to the Congress attack on BJP as anti-Christian party, Dr. Murry said that he would work towards the reduction of atrocities against Christian in the country, if elected to power.
“Majority of Indian population is Hindu but that does not mean all of them are bad. It is just one/two percent of Hindus that take extreme steps to the level of fanaticism. As a Christian majority state, our heart breaks for the brothers and sisters facing persecution across India,” he said and vowed to be part of the Christian forums to address this issue.
Stating that Nagaland is relatively peaceful with peace agreement in place and ongoing negotiations, Dr. Murry assured to raise the Naga political issue and the voice of Nagas especially the youth, if elected to power.
Kudecho Khamo, advisor of Civil Administration Works Division (CAWD), Taxes and legislature-in-charge of Tseminyu, has termed the 18th Lok Sabha election as unique for the state for the fact that all the 60 MLAs and political parties have come together to support the PDA consensus candidate.
He stated that the PDA government is there to protect the rights of the people.
“Delhi listen to us because we have unity among all leaders,” he said and further assured that the state government will "never compromise" the Christian faith and will protect it "at all cost."
Zhaleo Rio, advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs and star campaigner, also addressed the gathering. He said that all the 60 MLAs support the PDA consensus candidate, Dr. Chumben Murry, which means he is a Naga candidate.
He stated that the PDA government including BJP legislators of the state opposed central policies and laws like the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023, Uniform Civil Code etc. He, however, stated that the centre has assured to exclude the Northeastern states including Nagaland from the purview of those laws. He added that the state government is protecting the people from all those laws saying it is the duty of the elected members to protect the people.
Also speaking at the programme, MLA Jwenga Sep stated that they stand united, not just as members of different political parties, but as citizens who envisioned a future marked by stability, peace and development for the state and country.
“This election campaign is a confluence of unity and purpose supported by 60 elected members of the 14th NLA, all rallying behind a single candidate. This show of solidarity is a clear indication of collective desire for a future defined by harmony and progress,” he said.
“The journey towards peace and tranquility has been further strengthened by the NDA government at the centre led by the Prime minister,” he added.
Loguseng Semp, former candidate from Tseminyu, also addressed the gathering in support of the candidate.