KOHIMA: Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) president R Tsapikiu Sangtam has provided clarity regarding the stance of the Eastern Nagaland populace towards the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
Sangtam, while speaking to a local daily, clarified that the people of Eastern Nagaland are not “boycotting” the election but rather “abstaining” from participating in the electoral process.
Despite this decision, Sangtam assured that there would be no hindrance to the electoral process in ENPO areas.
Polling stations will be set up throughout the state, including Eastern Nagaland, as confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton’s statement on April 12.
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Sangtam reiterated that while the polling process would continue as usual, the public in ENPO areas would refrain from casting their votes.
Addressing concerns about constitutional rights, Sangtam stressed the call for solidarity with past agreements, expressing the dissatisfaction of Eastern Nagaland residents with the treatment from both Central and state governments.
He appealed for solidarity and prayers from all Nagas for the Eastern region.
Despite apprehensions about potential untoward incidents during polling, Sangtam assured that the polling day would be peaceful unless disrupted.
He also anticipated cooperation from state government functionaries.
Regarding consequences for those wishing to vote, Sangtam urged individuals to respect and understand the decision of ENPO areas to abstain from voting, echoing the resolution made on February 23, at Chenmoho village, and reaffirmed on subsequent occasions.
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Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) reiterated its appeal to ENPO to participate in the parliamentary election, aiming to create a conducive atmosphere for continued negotiations after the installation of a popular government at the Centre.
Earlier in the first week of April, in a letter to India’s Chief Election Commissioner, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and other tribal groups expressed unhappiness over the unresolved Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) issue.
They decided to boycott the Lok Sabha elections because they feel the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) hasn’t addressed this issue, despite promising to do so on December 7, 2023.
