Kohima, Dec. 21: In a veiled attack on the ruling Congress for defying its directive in the last Assembly elections, the apex tribal body of Nagaland ? the Naga Hoho ? has asked the electorate not to vote for those who would be ?a stumbling block? in the ongoing peace process between New Delhi and Naga militants.
?Typically examine those who had defied the will of the Naga people in 1998 and elect responsible people who will support the peace process and not be a stumbling block,? was the message of the Naga Hoho to the electorate in Nagaland, which goes to the hustings in February.
At its two-day meeting that ended in Dimapur yesterday, the Hoho made a strong statement against the ruling Congress for participating in the 1998 polls.
The Naga Hoho had asked all the political parties in the state not to participate in the elections in 1998 to ?support the peace process.? It had also issued a threat that those who would defy its directive would be declared ?anti-Naga.?
The Congress, however, defied the call and retained power virtually without any contest as no Opposition party fielded any candidate. Significantly, the Hoho?s call has been opposed not by the Congress, but by a militant outfit.
The NSCN (K) has asked the Hoho to keep itself out of politics and concentrate in social activities. ?The Naga Hoho is only a social organisation and as such it should not meddle in politics,? NSCN (K) deputy kilonser Khugalu Mulatonu told The Telegraph.
The Hoho?s call comes close on the heels of the Church?s directive to the political parties not to go in for door-to-door campaigning in the forthcoming polls. The Church, however, did not make any direct or indirect appeal against any political parties. Chief minister S.C. Jamir also expressed apprehension that the NSCN (I-M) would set up ?proxy candidates? in the February polls.
At its session in Dimapur, the Hoho further reiterated its support to the scheduled talks between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) leaders, but maintained that all militants groups should be involved in the peace process.
It has also expressed its willingness to mediate between the two warring factions of the NSCN. ?If the NSCN (I-M) is willing to sit with other groups, we are ready to be a mediator,? Naga Hoho president M. Vero told this correspondent.