MPF garners NSCN (IM) help for clean polls

Aizawl, Sep 16 (UNI) The Mizoram People's Forum (MPF) has garnered the help of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland(Isaac-Muivah) to ensure free and fair elections in Mizoram.

A joint statement of the two organisations said, '' In order to conduct a free and fair election, it is desired that there should be no interference from outside the state or by any underground groups operating in the North-east region or the neighboring areas. '' The NSCN (IM) on its part assured and agreed to instruct all such underground groups operating in the vicinity of Mizoram, not to interfere during election period and not to resort to violence of any kind in connection with General Assembly election.

'' In our efforts to have free, fair and clean elections in Mizoram, we have sought the help of the NSCN(IM) for we believed that this organisation can play an effective role, '' Rev Zosangliana, senior vice-president of MPF told UNI here today.

Alleged involvement of underground outfits of the neighbouring states was one of the greatest concerns of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church-sponsored MPF.

The three-point statement highlighted what was stated to be Mizoram People Forum's genuine interest in the peace process in Nagaland. It also said to have expressed serious concern on the ''fratricidal struggle'' in Nagaland and the problems and hardships caused to the Naga people due to the ''internecine clashes''.

The Mizoram People Forum committed itself to doing its best for the cause of the Naga people and, if the situation so demanded, will try its best to bring about unity and harmony amongst the Naga people for lasting peace and amicable settlement of the Naga problem, the resolution stated.

The meeting decided to continue working for the common cause of the people of Nagalim and Mizoram in the future, the statement said.

UNI ZS SJC LS RK2123