Nagaland body calls for boycott of state elections

GUWAHATI: With Union home ministry stating that Nagaland assembly polls will be held as per the schedule, Naga Hoho — the apex tribal body of the Nagas — called for a boycott of the upcoming elections. Working committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) stated that election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly would have “serious ramifications on the ongoing peace process”. The group expressed hope that the Centre would act “positively and create conducive atmosphere for smooth negotiation so as to arrive at an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga issue”. The working group also warned that holding elections when political negotiation was at an advanced stage would negatively impact pursuit of early solution.