Kohima, Apr 17: Congress today demanded de-recognition of Nagaland People's Front (NPF), a constituent of ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), and debarring of its candidate from contesting the ensuing Lok Sabha election for its alleged anti-constitutional posture over formation of the state of Nagaland. In a memorandum to the chief election commissioner, Nagaland Pradesh Congress said the poll panel should de-recognise NPF and debar and consensus candidate Wangyuh Konyak from contesting the May 5 parliamentary elections.
The letter alleges that two senior ministers of the Neiphiu Rio ministry denounced the Article 371 (A) of the constitution which facilitated the formation of Nagaland as a state of Indian Union.
The NPCC memorandum also demanded resignation of rural development minister Imkong Imchen and health and family welfare minister Thenucho from Nagaland legislative assembly as denouncing the 16-point agreement of 1960 is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct of elections.
The 16-point agreement signed between Naga people's convention and the government of India in 1960 culminated in the formation of Nagaland in 1963 after a decade-long violent struggle.
The memorandum pointed out that the state was formed by an act of parliament with the enactment of the Article 371 (A) where the 16-point pact was incorporated to accord Nagaland a special status. Bureau Report