Nagaland churches, NGOs issue guidelines for political parties

To ensure free, fair and morally acceptable state Assembly Polls in Nagaland, major church groups and social organisations in the state have issued specific guidelines and instructions to political parties.

The churches and NGOs strongly voiced against the methods used by political organisations to attract young voters, particularly the setting up of 'youth camps', where money and liquor flow freely.

Churches feel such camps often cause public nuisance and destroys the communal harmony among people.

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the powerful Naga Mother's Association issued the dos and don’ts to political parties, just after the announcement of the assembly polls. They urged not to lure students and youths with money and to abide by the Election Commission's model of conduct.

Five tribal church associations of Tuensang yesterday organised an interactive session with all contesting candidates of the border district and passed resolutions to ensure a fair election which would lead to socio–economic development of the area.