37 withdraw from fray in ULB polls

Of the 535 contestants to Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in Nagaland, a total of 37 candidates today withdrew their candidature.
According to an official of State Election Commission, the 37 candidates include 27 nominees of Puftsero Town Council, Four from Phek Town Council, 2 Independent candidate under Meluri Town Council and 1 Independent of Chozuba Town Council.
Nominations for February 1 ULB elections in Nagaland came to an end on January 9 last while after two-days of scrutiny, withdrawal of candidature commenced today and will end on January 17.
The four town councils are under Phek district, belonging to Chakhesang community, which had not only called for a boycott of the elections but also cautioned that candidates not withdrawing candidature would be ex-communicated.

One candidate each has also withdrawn from Kiphire Town Council in Kiphire district, Tobu Town Council in Mon district and Dimapur Municipal Council in Dimapur district.
With today's withdrawal, 498 candidates are in the fray.
The election process takes place in the backdrop of some prominent local tribal organisations opposing the government's decision to conduct the civic polls with women's reservation while expressing apprehension that it would infringe upon the special rights guaranteed to the Naga people under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.