The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has issued a fervent plea to the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU), urging them to respect the decision of Eastern Nagaland citizens to abstain from participating in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election on April 19.
The ENPO has implored the 20 legislators to remain indoors on polling day to prevent potential disturbances.
In a joint statement signed by all 32 office bearers of the ENPO, led by President R Tsapikiu Sangtam, the organisation emphasised that their appeal represents the collective sentiment of Eastern Nagaland's populace.
The group reminded the importance of avoiding misunderstandings and confrontations on election day, stressing the need for unity and cooperation.
ENPO expressed confidence that legislators, by refraining from voting and honouring the citizens' decision, could avert any untoward incidents.
However, they cautioned that public unrest could ensue if elected members choose to cast their votes despite the boycott
Following a marathon closed-door coordination meeting in Tuensang involving 20 MLAs and various organisations, the ENPO reaffirmed their decision to boycott the parliamentary elections on April 19.
This stance is a protest against the Centre's failure to create a separate Frontier Naga Territory, a demand that has been a longstanding grievance for the region.
The Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union, comprising 20 MLAs representing constituencies in the backward districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang, had previously appealed to the ENPO to reconsider their boycott decision.
However, the ENPO has upheld its stance, maintaining the ongoing 'public emergency' declared on March 8 in the eastern part of Nagaland.
The boycott has effectively halted election campaigns in the region, with the ENPO and its affiliated organisations staunchly enforcing the decision.
Despite calls for dialogue from the BJP, part of the ruling coalition in Nagaland, the ENPO remains resolute in their demand for a separate state.
Last year, the Union Home Ministry established a committee to study the demand for a separate Frontier Naga Territory, following assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently disclosed that the state government has recommended the creation of an autonomous region for the eastern Nagaland populace.
The ENPO's quest for a separate state dates back to 2010, driven by a sense of neglect and marginalisation felt by the six districts in the eastern part of Nagaland.
Despite ongoing deliberations and assurances, the demand remains a focal point of contention in the region's political landscape.
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