The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organization (ENPO) has intensified its demand for a separate state, announcing a "public emergency" across Eastern Nagaland due to the government of India's delay in settling the offer for the creation of a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' (FNT) through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In a joint meeting held in Dimapur on March 5, ENPO, along with tribal bodies and frontal organizations, passed several resolutions, including the declaration of a "public emergency" across Eastern Nagaland, effective immediately.
The organization cited the government's delay in addressing their demand for the creation of 'FNT' as the primary reason behind this decision.
One of the key resolutions adopted by ENPO is the strict implementation of the Chenmoho resolution, which entails refraining from participating in any Central and State elections until the demand for FNT is resolved.
Additionally, ENPO announced a dawn-to-dusk bandh across Eastern Nagaland on March 8, followed by intensified protests as part of their next phase of public agitation.
Moreover, ENPO declared that there should be no election campaign by any political party within Eastern Nagaland during this period of public emergency.
The organization warned that individuals or groups not adhering to this declaration would do so at their own risk.
ENPO's demand for a separate state stems from years of perceived neglect of the six districts in Eastern Nagaland — Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator.
The organization highlighted that they would not accept any assurances from the Ministry of Home Affairs post the upcoming Parliamentary election process, reiterating their commitment to pressing for the creation of FNT.
Notably, mass public rallies were organized across all seven districts and ADC headquarters within Eastern Nagaland on February 9, drawing thousands of participants who fervently advocated for the establishment of the 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' (FNT) and the signing of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS).
Since 2010, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organization (ENPO) has persistently demanded a separate state, citing neglect and marginalization of the six districts—Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator—in the eastern part of Nagaland over the years.
Key points of the ENPO resolutions:
- Declaration of Public Emergency: Citing the government's inaction on the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), the ENPO declared a "public emergency" across Eastern Nagaland with immediate effect.
- Reiteration of Election Boycott: The organization reaffirmed its commitment to the Chenmoho resolution, vowing to abstain from participating in any central or state elections until the FNT proposal is settled
- Rejection of Post-Election Assurances: The signatories expressed their skepticism towards any assurances offered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after the upcoming parliamentary elections.
- Dawn-to-Dusk Bandh: As a further mark of protest, a dawn-to-dusk bandh has been announced across Eastern Nagaland on March 8th, 2024, to be followed by more intensive demonstrations.
- Ban on Election Campaigning: The ENPO declared a prohibition on all election campaigning by any political party within Eastern Nagaland during the "public emergency" period. Individuals or groups disregarding this directive were warned of facing consequences.
Follow us
