Censuring the Centre for failing to fulfil the long pending demand of a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) in Nagaland, the rank and file of the Congress party in Eastern Nagaland have thrown their weight behind the Chenmoho Resolution.
This resolution fervently advocates for Eastern Nagaland's non-participation in both Central and state elections until the lingering issue of the FNT is effectively addressed by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the NDA regime.
Expressing profound discontentment, the Eastern Nagaland Congress has issued a press release condemning what they perceive as recurrent false assurances from the BJP government.
The party decried the delaying tactics employed by NDA leaders, alleging strategic ploys to sway voters without fulfilling promised commitments.
In correspondence to the Chief Election Commissioner of India via the Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland, the ENPO, representing seven Naga tribes in the region, declared their collective decision to abstain from parliamentary polls.
"The people of eastern Nagaland under the aegis of ENPO had on March 19, 2024, reaffirmed its commitment to the “Chenmoho Resolution”, wherein it was further reaffirmed and resolved not to participate in any central and state elections against the failure to settle the creation of frontier Nagaland territory (FNT) as offered and assured by the Ministry of Home Affairs on December 7, 2023, to be settled before the announcement of Model Code of Conduct to the Lok Sabha 2024 by the ECI," the ENPO letter said.
Emphasising that the decision is "not intended as an act of defiance against the electoral machinery or the principles of democracy", the ENPO said it is "rather a principled stance taken within the framework of the Constitution of India" and is aimed at drawing attention to the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the people of eastern Nagaland.
The ENPO reiterated its commitment to the Chenmoho Resolution, reaffirming its stance against electoral participation until the FNT issue is resolved, as promised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in December 2023.
Clarifying their position, the ENPO underlined that their decision is not an act of defiance against democratic principles but rather a principled stand within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
It aims to highlight the legitimate grievances and aspirations of Eastern Nagaland's populace, which has long felt neglected and marginalised.
The ENPO, persistently advocating for a separate state since 2010, remains hopeful that the Government of India will address their concerns and take concrete steps towards resolving the FNT issue.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has thrown its support behind the ENPO's demands, urging the Government of India to heed their calls and refrain from actions contrary to the spirit of the ENPO resolutions.
Follow us
