KOHIMA: In response to the alleged delay by the Centre in finalising the creation of a “Frontier Nagaland Territory”, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has declared a “public emergency” across Eastern Nagaland with immediate effect.
The development emerged from a joint meeting convened at Dimapur on March 5, where various tribal bodies and frontal organisations convened to address the pressing issue.
To escalate their protest, a dawn-to-dusk bandh is scheduled to take place across Eastern Nagaland on March 8 followed by intensified demonstrations.
In a joint statement issued by ENPO officials, along with representatives from several tribal councils and organisations, it was declared that the ENPO will strictly adhere to the resolutions adopted during the meeting.
Among the resolutions adopted, the ENPO reiterated its commitment to implementing the Chenmoho resolution of February 23.
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The resolution mandates non-participation in any central and state elections until the government addresses the longstanding demand for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory.
In a bid to enforce the public emergency, the ENPO declared a prohibition on election campaigns by any political party within Eastern Nagaland during this period.
Any individual or group contravening this directive will face consequences, as per the organisation’s warning.
Furthermore, the ENPO and its allied organisations, conveyed their firm stance against any assurances put forth by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that may arise after the upcoming parliamentary election process.
Previously, mass rallies were organised across all seven districts and ADC headquarters within Eastern Nagaland on February 9, amplifying the call for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory and the signing of a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS).
Expressing dismay over the delay in receiving the final draft of the Frontier Nagaland Territory, ENPO members vowed to intensify its protests and urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the process before the Lok Sabha election model code of conduct is enforced.
