Imphal, February 04: Four Independent candidates of 47 Karong (ST) Assembly Constituency namely L Jonathan, Benjamin Banee, SP Henry and PS Henry Paotei have cried foul allegedly over the direct involvement of some NSCN (IM) men in the election campaign of UNC sponsored candidate RV Shirang.

A joint press statement, signed in favour of the candidates, disclosed that Col Sounii, L Siba (Rajou Peyu), P Ambition (Leacy member), P Shimray (Tatar) and Lt Phanitphang of NSCN (IM) have been openly campaigning for RV Shirang.

Saying that they have learnt of NSCN (IM) leadership never intimating any individual or group to engage in election campaign in the name of the outfit, they flayed the conduct of the NSCN (IM) cadres in favour of a particular candidate.

Disclosing that the supporters of different candidates are at loggerheads over the involvement of NSCN (IM) men in the election process, the political workers of the said candidates cautioned that they shall not be held responsible for any consequence arising out of the undue interference, conveyed the statement.

The United Naga Council had earlier announced that it would announce the names of 11 Naga consensus candidates to contest the election from the 11 Naga dominated Assembly segments.

UNC has already named some candidates.