Kohima, July 17: Two Councillors from the National People’s Party formally joined the ruling Naga People’s Front on Friday taking the NPF tally to 15 out of 19 wards in the Kohima Municipal Council.
The councillors who joined are Medoviu Martin Suohu of Ward No. 19 and Vizokhoto George Kirha of Ward No. 14.
They resigned from the NPP and were inducted by NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon in the presence of Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse and other party leaders.
The NPF termed the development a boost for the party and for the development and progress of the capital, and said it reflects growing trust in a strong regional party to safeguard Naga rights and identity.
However, the National People’s Party accused the NPF of using “undemocratic pressure tactics” to force the two councillors to defect.
In a statement, the NPP Kohima District unit alleged that the councillors were given a “join NPF or forfeit funds and development schemes” ultimatum.
The party described the move as “political robbing” and an attack on the people’s mandate, and said such intimidation undermines democratic values.
The NPP also pointed to the induction of two NPP councillors from Dimapur into the NDPP-NPF alliance and the recent merger of the Rising People’s Party with the NPF, and questioned whether the NPF was acting out of political insecurity.
The party demanded that elected representatives receive equal access to government funds regardless of party affiliation, and stated that it would continue to uphold democratic principles and would not be intimidated by pressure politics.
The NPF had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
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