The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in the Phek region has kicked off its campaign for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) election on Friday at Chozuba Town in Phek district. The programme was attended KG Kenye, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs and Kudecho Khamo, Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, informed Z Resu, Press Secretary, NDPP 18th Chozuba AC in a press release.

Kenye, in his address, stressed the importance of electing councilors who would work in tandem with the ruling government. He urged citizens to choose wisely as town councils and municipal councils would significantly impact urban local bodies.

Kenye pointed out how the earlier municipal act contravened the interests of the people, resulting in a two-decade gap in ULB elections, which led to loss of lives and brought the government to a standstill. However, the present state government took the initiative to amend the central act and passed the new Nagaland Municipal Act 2023, paving the way for the ULB elections now scheduled to be held.

He emphasized that while Nagas do not culturally discriminate against women, he expressed delight that the election would be conducted with 33% women reservation to provide equal opportunities. Kenye highlighted the need for regional parties in the government to protect the rights, interests, and traditions of the people, as well as the importance of representation by regional parties in municipal and town councils.

The Power Minister pointed out that the Chozuba Assembly Constituency and Phek district are regional strongholds and stressed the need to groom them to protect the rights of the party and prevent polarization by other political party interests.

Kudecho Khamo, Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, stated in his speech that the NDPP is the sole regional party that voices the concerns of the Naga people. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Niephiu Rio, the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 was passed, aiming to establish Municipal Councils and Town Councils for local self-development after a hiatus due to complexities.

He urged NDPP Party candidates to uphold the trust and confidence placed in them and work diligently for victory. Khamo noted the significant number of candidates contesting in the ULB elections, including women candidates, reflecting progress in women empowerment and community welfare.

Regarding the recent Lok Sabha election where Congress won against the NDPP candidate with a huge margin, The Advisor attributed it not to the NDPP’s inadequacy or electorate criticism on social media but to misdoings of some social organizations and religious factors that worked against the Christian community.

Khamo mentioned the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, expressing concern about its impact on Christian practices. He clarified that while the Nagaland Government condemned and opposed the bill, he himself participated in the discussion in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to voice concerns for the Christian community and the people.

He highlighted the NDPP-led government’s opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Uniform Civil Code (UCC), aiming to protect the interests of the people. Khamo urged NDPP party members to be clear about the party’s actions and achievements.

He also highlighted how the state has restored peace under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio by reaching out to all factions. Khamo urged voters in Chozuba town to support councilors aligned with the ruling government to strengthen leadership.

The Advisor emphasized the significance of upright leaders who can facilitate development and change the narrative of the locality positively. These leaders should guide youngsters towards entrepreneurship, employment, and skill development, as well as address infrastructural needs such as drainage, public toilets, marketing sheds, water, and healthcare facilities, and provisions like rations for the people. Khamo stressed that councilors should work for the grassroots people.

He appealed to the electorate not to engage in election fights based on clanism or village affiliations but to focus on electing the right leaders who would genuinely work for the welfare of the neighborhood.

Nuzota Swuro, Convenor, ULB Election Committee, Phek Region, said that politics is not about rumor mills but about development and empowerment of the people. He stressed the need for strategy and highlighted initiatives taken by the government with people-centric schemes such as PM-Kisan, CMHIS, and road infrastructure. He urged party workers to efficiently work to strengthen the party.

Meanwhile, K Puro, Vice-president, CEB NDPP, stated that in the ULB election, there are no alliances and all political parties are fighting on their own. He asked the people not to be misled by propaganda. He urged citizens of Chozuba town to join hands with the government and not miss the opportunity for development, as being a pioneer town in Phek district. He encouraged them to continue leading the way as an inspiration to other pockets of the district.

A speech was also delivered by Neikhrolo Khalo, president NDPP Phek region, while the programme was chaired by Vevohu Epao, President NDPP 18th Chozuba AC.

Later in the afternoon, a similar program was also held at Pfutsero town. On June 15 they will be having a rally at Meluri town.