KOHIMA: In defiance of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization’s (ENPO) directive to refrain from voting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on April 19, the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) has issued an appeal urging the public to exercise their franchise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ENLU, representing elected representatives of the region, acknowledged the sentiments surrounding the demand for the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT).
However, they stressed that abstaining from the electoral process could “obstruct the progress of ongoing negotiations”.
The legislators stressed the importance of taking a pragmatic approach to safeguard the region’s future, asserting that participation in the democratic process is essential to uphold rights and interests.
They pledged their support to the negotiation process for establishing the FNT “once a new government is formed at the Centre”.
Additionally, the ENLU appealed to the public to refrain from disrupting the voting process, emphasising the broader public interest.
This appeal from the ENLU follows a clarification issued by the ENPO regarding its stance on the upcoming polls on April 14.
Earlier, ENPO president R Tsapikiu Sangtam had clarified that while the people of Eastern Nagaland are abstaining from participating in the electoral process, they are not boycotting it.
Despite the decision to abstain, Sangtam assured that the electoral process in ENPO areas would proceed smoothly, with polling stations set up across the state, including Eastern Nagaland, as confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton.
Regarding the consequences for individuals wishing to vote, Sangtam urged understanding and respect for the decision of ENPO areas to abstain, echoing resolutions passed earlier in February.
The decision to abstain from the Lok Sabha elections stems from longstanding grievances over the unresolved FNT issue.
The ENPO and other tribal groups had expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ perceived inaction on this matter, leading to their decision to boycott the polls.
