Kohima: Church and apex tribal council in Nagaland on February 21 expressed concern over reported threats and intimidations by political parties as well as by underground groups on the electorate in the run-up to the February 26 Assembly elections in the state.

Expressing reservation against reports of "undue pressure" being exerted by different groups on people, the apex tribal council Naga Hoho asserted the decision of voting should be left entirely to the electorate to their best judgement.

Calling upon the people to be guided by their conscience, Naga Hoho president M Vero in a statement here said, "Neither political parties nor underground factions should treat lightly the evil consequences of their adoption of unfair, illegal means.

"Let us not contaminate the election process today, for we will all be the losers and sufferers tomorrow."

He said the Hoho has been projecting the feeling of the Nagas that an "honourable" settlement is more important than the elections and the apex tribal council along with the churches was endeavouring for peace and re-conciliation among the "highly divided" Naga society.

The apex church body Nagaland Baptist Church Council in a separate statement said it always stood for free and fair elections for strengthening Democracy in the Naga society.

PTI