Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio campaigning in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, Apr 6:

Chief Minister

and his cabinet colleagues are campaigning for Naga Peoples Front (NPF) in

, which goes to the polls on April 9 notwithstanding opposition from various NGOs and students' union.

Rio said in an election rally at remote Lazu in Tirap district that Nagas, irrespective of their political and territorial differences should first understand their identity and come together for a political settlement.

"Whether they (Nagas) are from underground or over ground they need to come together and fight for our common goal," he said yesterday.

NPF candidate from Khonsa West assembly constituency Phawang Lowang and all other contesting candidates would be recorded in the Naga history, he said.

Simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls will be held on April 9. Rio made a strong appeal to all the 'over ground' and 'under grounds' Nagas to respect each other and not pose obstacles in resolving the long-pending Naga political issue, party sources said here today.

Going against NPF meant going against the Nagas as it was a Naga political party, he said and alleged that some 'underground' Nagas were creating problems for NPF candidates.

Rio, who is in the Lok Sabha fray, claimed that five to six candidates of the total 12 belonging to regional parties contesting the ensuing election in the north east would win.

Alleging that some Congress supporters were trying to disturb the NPF rally at Lazu, Rio said four persons of Lower Chinhan village were physically assaulted on April 2 for extending support to the Naga party candidate.

PTI