KOHIMA: Nagaland’s Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, has clarified the state government’s stand on the demand for an autonomous body by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO).
Addressing a campaign rally for People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate Dr Chumben Murry on Friday, Rio said that his government supports the notion of autonomy, but oppose the condition to operate under the Governor’s rule.
“We are not against ENPO getting an autonomous body because we have recommended and we will never go back on our words,” Rio was quoted as saying by a local daily.
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“However, they started saying they will not stay under the state but remain under the Governor and any report given would go to the President of India through the Governor who will be the go-between the state and the ENPO Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority,” he added.
Underscoring the supremacy of the elected government in India’s democracy, the Chief Minister expressed opposition to the proposed arrangement.
Furthermore, Rio noted that even the Centre had declined the request to place Nagaland under the direct rule of the President or Governor.
Addressing ENPO’s call for a boycott of the polls, Rio reiterated appeals for dialogue and negotiation.
The ongoing issue with ENPO traces back to November 25, 2010, when the organization submitted its first memorandum to the state government.
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In response, Rio said, a fact-finding committee was established to investigate the matter, revealing discrepancies in ENPO’s claims.
Rio highlighted key findings from the committee’s report, indicating discrepancies in population percentages, land possession claims, government employee representation, and political representation.
Despite these complexities, Rio had urged all parties to reconsider and engage in dialogue, to find amicable solutions to the longstanding grievances.
He also stressed that the electoral process for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will proceed regardless of ENPO’s participation, urging for a collaborative approach to address underlying issues.
