ENPO claims Center has not resolved issue of creation of Nagaland border territory

Guwahati:

The East Nagaland People’s Organization has written to the Election Commission informing it of its decision to abstain from contesting the Lok Sabha elections.

The Eastern People’s Organization of Nagaland (ENPO), an influential body of the Naga tribes, took the decision over what it claimed was the Centre’s inability to resolve the issue of establishing the Nagaland border territory.

ENPO on Monday wrote to the Election Commission informing them of their decision not to vote in the Lok Sabha elections.

In the letter, ENPO said: “We humbly and respectfully inform you that the people of East Nagaland… with the support of the East Nagaland People’s Organization, on March 20, 2024, reiterated their commitment to the Chanmoho Resolution. “

“…further reiterated and decided not to contest any central and state elections due to failure to resolve the issue of creation of Nagaland border territory raised and assured by the Central Nationalists on December 7, 2023, prior to the announcement, the Election Commission of India had The Lok Sabha has formulated the MCC (Model Code of Conduct) in 2024,” ENPO said.

“However, despite repeated reminders through letters and massive public gatherings, the Home Ministry continued to ignore it and eventually the ECI declared the MCC – which is why the people of East Nagaland felt the need to take this course of action which is an expression of our collective dissatisfaction. One way,” the group said.

ENPO said the decision to abstain from participating in any central and state electoral process was not taken lightly.

“It reflects the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland who have tirelessly advocated for our rights and aspirations within the framework of democratic governance. The ‘Chan Moho Resolution’ represents the unanimous consensus of the people of Eastern Nagaland and we reaffirm our absolute , unconditionally and unswervingly committed to safeguarding it,” ENPO said.

ENPO said the decision was not a show of contempt for electoral mechanisms or democratic principles. “Rather, it is a principled stand taken within the framework of the Constitution of India to draw attention to the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the people of East Nagaland.”

“We remain hopeful that the Government of India will heed our concerns and take concrete steps to resolve the long-standing Nagaland border issues. In view of the above, we kindly request the Election Commissioner through the Chief Electoral Officer of the State, State Nagaland to take note of our decision, and make necessary arrangements to accommodate our abstention in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,” the Naga tribal body said.