Cong still hopeful to form govt: Imkong

Kohima, Mar 09 (UNI) Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader I. Imkong today said that the party was hopeful of forming the government and in Nagaland and negotiation was on.

Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Imkong informed that the election of the party leader in the state will be held tomorrow after AICC observers Ms Margaret Alva and Siddharth Patel's arrival here.

Mr Imkong said,''Money and muscle power dominated the March five elections with rampant booth capturing and rigging in many seats.'' He also alleged that in Tuli constituency under Mokokchung district, a polling station had about 400 voters, but counting went up to 600, whereas in Arkakong there were about 2900 votes with 99 per cent turnout, but during counting there were only 1800 ballots.

''We will take up these issues with the Election Commission of India and hope the results of some constituencies are likely to be countermanded,'' he added.

Asked on the involvement of underground cadres in the polls, Mr Imkong said despite assurance by leaders of both the NSCN factions not to involve any of their cadres in the elections, they defied the orders.

UNI AS PP AB 1922