Nagaland Opposition Leader I Imkong has welcomed the decision of the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM) to merge with
the Indian National Congress (INC) and further described it as "timely."
Talking to NEPS here today over phone from Dimapur, the Opposition Leader pointed out that the coming togetherness of the
"secular forces" in the State was not only the "most welcome sign" but also "timely" to fight "communalism" that had been
systematically creeping into the State in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.
NDM, which was formed in 1997, got five seats in the last Nagaland Assembly election, and four of them later defected to NPF
except ET Ezung from 40 Bhandari A/C. Now the strength of the Congress is 15 in the House of 60 in the State.
The Opposition Leader was fully confident that though four NDM legislators defected to NPF, "grassroots workers and voters
still remain intact with the party (NDM)." "Therefore we hope that the prospects of winning in the ensuing Lok Sabha election
by Congress Candidate in Nagaland, K Asungba Sangtam, has been double," Imkong pointed out.
Imkong also recalled the contributions made by Asungba Sangtam not only in Nagaland but also the entire north eastern
region especially in areas of Telecommunication, Postal Service sectors, increasing frequency of Rajdhani Train services, etc,
and further described him (Asungba) as the best MP so far from Nagaland till date. "The people of Nagaland will not forget
such consistent sacrificial contributions of Asungba Sangtam," the Opposition Leader stated.
In the backdrop of this, the coming togetherness of secular forces (merging of NDM with Congress) would surely be a matter of
boost to the overall activities of the party (Congress) and reinforcing to the "ongoing peace process" as well, Imkong stated.
Asked his comment on the DAN’s inability to come up with their "consensus" candidate, the Opposition Leader preferred not give
any comment on it saying, "I don’t want to interfere in other political party in such matter (selection of candidate)."
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