The Nagaland Cabinet and legislators from the eastern region of the state have made an appeal to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to reconsider its decision to abstain from participating in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
In their joint appeal, the state Cabinet and ENLU members urged the ENPO and its affiliates to prioritise democratic principles and encourage widespread participation in the upcoming national elections.
They emphasised that such participation is vital for fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for eastern Nagaland.
Despite repeated entreaties, the ENPO remains steadfast in its stance, vowing not to engage in the electoral process until its longstanding demand for a separate state carved out of Nagaland is fulfilled by the Centre.
Since 2010, the ENPO, representing seven Naga tribes in the region, has been advocating for a distinct state, citing years of purported neglect suffered by six districts in eastern Nagaland.
The appeal follows a meeting convened by the council of ministers and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) in Kohima on Saturday.
During the deliberations, ENLU members briefed the Cabinet on their recent discussions held in Delhi and their dialogue with ENPO representatives in Tuensang on Thursday, as per an official statement.
Following thorough consideration, both the Cabinet and ENLU members reached a unanimous decision to implore the ENPO to reconsider its stance and participate in the impending Lok Sabha elections.
The elections for Nagaland's sole Lok Sabha seat are scheduled for April 19.
Additionally, they urged the ENPO to view electoral participation as an opportunity for the region's advancement and the welfare of its constituents.
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