Imphal, December 28: Following the resignation of Henry Paotei and Samuel Jendai from their respective parties as well as from the Assembly, two more Naga MLAs, BD Behring and Danny Shaiza, both from the BJP have also followed suit and resigned from the Assembly and their respective political parties.

The resignations were tendered ostensibly to strengthen the ongoing peace process between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.

Speaking to reporters at the Manipur Press Club today, BD Behring (Chandel AC) said that a copy of his resignation from the BJP has already been submitted to the State unit of the party.

A similar copy of resignation has also been submitted to the Speaker of the Assembly, he said and added that the consent is being awaited.

Explaining the reason for his resignation, Behring said that he decided to resign to strengthen the peace process between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India.

It is the aspirations of all the Naga people to see an amicable solution to the six decades old Naga political problem, said Behring and expressed his fervent wish that no other community would put a spanner in the peace process.

Likewise the Nagas too should not interfere in the affairs of other communities, he opined.

The seasoned political figure also expressed hope that militants belonging to the Meitei, Kuki, Zomi, Hmar and Muslim would come to the negotiating table and hammer out a solution.

To a question on whether there is any pressure to resign with the election nearing, Behring replied that there is no question of any pressure as such.

"As a human being I have to also work for myself," he reasoned adding, "I will not give up politics and am yet undecided on which party to join." Responding to another query, Behring said, "I really do not know how much my resignation will help the peace process." Behring further said that the non-implementation of the Census report of 2001 is another reason why he decided to resign.

"The Ibobi Singh Government is anti-tribal and anti-people," he charged.

The Government has also failed to enforce the provisions of the 6th Schedule in the hill districts, said Behring and added that on the other hand, municipal elections, panchayat and gram panchayat elections are held in the valley areas.

Election to the Autonomous District Council has not been held for the last 18 years, he reminded.

The Government has also been sleeping over the recommendations to amend the Manipur Hill Area Village Authority Act, 1957, said the political leader and charged that the SPF Government has failed the tribal people.

Chandel district has been neglected for years, he said adding that no black topping work has been taken while many villages are yet to receive power and water supply.

"My personal request to allot me a quarter and a personal security officer on the basis of being an MLA has fallen on deaf ears," said Behring.

On the other hand, MLA from Ukhrul AC, Danny Shaiza said he tendered his resignation on his own volition and not because of any pressure mounted by anyone.

Speaking to media persons at the Assembly today, Shaiza said, "I resigned from the Assembly to strengthen the peace process between the NSCN and the GoI." The MLA from Ukhrul further said he decided to resign from the BJP as the party did not extend the needed support to him.

Like Behring, Shaiza said that he is yet to decide which party to join and added that he may contest the coming election as an independent candidate. With the resignation of the two MLAs the strength of Assembly has come down to 56 now.

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