The members include Chotisuh Sazo of 18 Chozuba Assembly constituency, Dr KC Nihoshe of 35-Zunheboto Assembly constituency, Dako Phom of 49-Tamlu Assembly constituency, Dr Ngangshi K. Ao of 25-Mongoya Assembly constituency, and C Kipili Sangtam of 59-Seyuchong-Sitimi Assembly constituency.
The Nagaland Assembly Secretariat has stated that the NLA Speaker has consequently declared their seats as vacant. As per the rules, an independent member of a current assembly who desires to contest from any particular party in the next election has to vacate his/her seat before elections or face disqualification.
Enlightening on his resignation to join the NPF-led DAN Government after being elected as an Independent candidate in 2008, Chotisuh Sazo told a Kohima-based news agency that he had genuine faith and confidence in the leadership of the NPF that they would deliver goods to the people. With this “understanding and appreciation” he facilitated his supporters to join the party (NPF) en-mass in 2008, he said. “Thereafter, I have been closely associated with the NPF party while being in the Government,” he recalled.
Stating his firm belief in the able leadership of NPF president Dr Shürhozelie and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Sazo said he had resigned from the membership of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly which will enable him to formally join the party (NPF) to “ensure development and peace for development”.
It may be mentioned that Sazo had contested the 2008 general election from 18 Chozuba Assembly Constituency as an Independent candidate and won by defeating strong regionalist and veteran politician Thenucho of the NPF.