Zeliang to be DAN Chief Ministerial candidate in 2018 Nagaland poll

Kohima, Dec 18 (IANS) Nagaland's ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) on Monday projected Chief Minister T.R.Zeliang as its Chief Ministerial candidate in next year's assembly polls.

A DAN legislature party meeting here also decided to urge upon all DAN party members to "co-operate and work in unison" for its successful return to power under the leadership of Shurhozelie Liezietsu.

Liezietsu, who was ousted by Zeliang on July this year, is the supremo of the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) and Chairman of DAN, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party which has four legislators in the 60-member Nagaland assembly.

Zeliang's projection follows reconciliation by two NPF factions led by him and Liezietsu on December 8.

Meanwhile, the NPF legislature party, which also met this evening, reaffirmed confidence and trust in the two's leadership, while placing on record "its deep sense of appreciation" at the reconciliation and the decision to revoke all suspension and expulsion orders against some members and withdrawal of all pending cases from courts, the Election Commission and the Speaker.

It also resolved to remain firmly united in the reconciliation process and the need to continue fostering a congenial atmosphere in the state for facilitating an early settlement to the Naga political issue.

The NPF and DAN legislature parties also appreciated the party's leadership for the steps taken in bringing about understanding and reconciliation in the NPF to facilitate a united stand in supporting the ongoing dialogue between the Nationalist Socialist Council of India-Isak-Nuivah and others with the Indian government for bringing about a solution to the Naga political issue.

The DAN Legislature Party called for an early, "inclusive, acceptable and honourable" solution before the polls.