Trouble continues for Nagaland CM, ruling party deliberates 'change of guard'

The agitating tribal groups in Nagaland on Wednesday served a fresh ultimatum to Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang to resign or face further protests over his decision to conduct civic bodies elections with 33 per cent reservation for women.

In a related development, legislators of the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) are in a huddle to discuss the "change of guard" in the wake of the prevailing law and order situation in the state.

The Nagaland crisis was on since January, after the NPF-led government decided to hold local body elections in 12 towns across the state. 

The government later declared the civic elections as "null" and "void".

Three persons were killed and many injured following clashes between police and the public, who were opposing the civic polls.

On Tuesday night, the legislators also met at the official residence of Zeliang and deliberated on their plan of action if the agitating groups -- Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) -- further intensified their agitation.

"There is a possibility of change of guard, if the tense situation in the state refuses to subside. Some of the NPF legislators have put in their signature to replace Zeliang with NPF President Sharhozelie Liezietsu," an NPF legislator, who wished not to be quoted, told IANS.

When IANS tried to contact Zeliang and Liezietsu for their comment, they did not pick up their phones.

In the 60-member house, the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland coalition government, which comprises 48 NPF legislators, including suspended legislator Imkong Imchen, four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and eight independents.

"We are giving him (Zeliang) another three days time to resign gracefully. We hope that he accede to the demand of the people," NTAC Convener, K.T. Velie told IANS.