Imphal, April 05: In a sudden political development that took everyone by surprise, Naga National Party (NNP) has withdrawn its candidate, Valley Rose for the Outer Manipur (ST) Parliamentary Constituency for which election is scheduled to be held on April 20.Party president Ng Hungyo said that the decision has been taken after seriously considering the present social and political scenario in the State.

NNP strongly felt that the present election process is not free and fair due to some obvious reasons.

It has become doubtful whether the electorates will be allowed to exercise their franchise with a clear conscience, Hungyo said in a statement today.

He maintained that the presence of multiple candidates have created further division among the people, as a result of which feeling of hatred, groupism among different communities and within the same community, especially the Nagas would emerge.

Moreover, NNP strongly felt that womenfolks/organizations inspite of the fact that they have been demanding and working for equal participation of women in decision making, have not been able to come out boldly and openly in support of women candidates, the party president said, expressing NPP's desire to remain clean and uphold its principle of value based politics.

Hungyo also appealed to all the party workers, well wishers and supporters not to be disheartened because of the withdrawal of its candidate.

Meanwhile, briefing mediapersons at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, NNP's candidate Valley Rose claimed that her withdrawal itself is a victory.

Rose said that she was fully prepared to contest the election, but agreed to withdraw her candidature to respect the decision of the party.

Alluding to presence of four Naga candidates and two Kuki candidates, Rose observed that too many candidates might be confusing to the voters.

��I don't want any more division among the people because of me��, she said, adding ��straight contest would be more better and appreciable��.

Replying to a direct question, she denied having acted under compulsion from any group of people or organisation and said, ��No one has forced me and I am withdrawing my candidature honourably with dignity and a sense of victory��.

��I consider withdrawal itself is a victory��, Rose said.

Appealing to all concerned not to treat voters as market commodities that can be bought, she urged the voters to choose the right candidates for the welfare of the State and the people.

With the NPP withdrawing its candidate there are now six candidates in the fray.