Kohima, July 16: The National People’s Party (NPP) on Thursday accused the Naga People’s Front (NPF) of using “undemocratic pressure tactics” to force two of its elected municipal councillors in Kohima to defect, alleging they were threatened with denial of development funds and government schemes if they refused to switch sides.

In a statement, the NPP Kohima District unit claimed that the two councillors of the Kohima Town Municipal Corporation were compelled to join the NPF under a “join NPF or forfeit funds and development schemes” ultimatum.

Describing the alleged move as “political robbing” and an attack on the people’s mandate, the party said such intimidation and coercion undermine democratic values and are aimed at weakening the NPP at a time when it is expanding its political base in Nagaland.

The NPP also alleged that the NPF has a pattern of absorbing leaders from other political parties. It referred to the induction of two NPP town councillors from Dimapur into the NDPP-NPF alliance and the recent merger of the Rising People’s Party (RPP) with the NPF, despite the RPP not having any elected representatives.

Questioning the NPF’s motives, the party asked whether it was attempting to bring all political leaders under its fold or acting out of political insecurity. It also questioned the long-term sustainability of a party built by inducting leaders from different political ideologies.

The NPP demanded that the NPF immediately stop what it termed “undemocratic practices” and ensure that elected representatives receive equal access to government funds and development schemes regardless of their political affiliation.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the party said it would continue to uphold the people’s mandate and would not be intimidated by what it described as pressure politics.

The NPF had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.