UNDSP not to contest polls

Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): The United Naga Democratic Socialist Party will not be contesting in the forthcoming parliamentary and state by-elections. However, necessary decision to support other parties during the elections would be taken, the UNDSP stated in a note today.
The party met on March 28 in Chumukedima where lengthy deliberations were had whether or not the UNDSP would contest. There were suggestions that the party’s advisor, TA Ngullie, a former minister, should contest. Following a lengthy deliberation, the UNDSP decided not to contest in either of the polls. However, the UNDSP decided, that the ‘political situation’ in the state would be ‘assessed’ and a decision taken to support other ‘like-minded’ parties, the UNDSP said.
On other matters, the UNDSP has noted with concern the reoccurrence of bloodshed between the Naga factional workers even while the people continue to pray and appeal for peace and cessation of all forms of violence. The UNDSP has appealed to the armed groups to heed to the cry of the people.
The party also took note of the recent answer-script swapping scandal in the Nagaland Public Service Commission. Extending support to the Naga Students’ Federation’s fight for justice, the party demanded appropriate steps to book the officials involved in the scam.
The party further condemned the threats being issued by “some section of the people” to officials and investigating personnel probing mismanagement in the department of school education.  These elements are showing that they are only encouraging corruption in the society, the UNDSP said. The party has appealed to the “concerned section of the people” to desist from “such unlawful activities”.