Guwahati: The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has written to the Election Commission of India (ECI) reaffirming its decision to boycott the upcoming parliamentary polls.
The ENPO has been demanding for the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT).
In a letter addressed to the ECI through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Nagaland, Vyasan R, the ENPO clarified that its decision is not a form of defiance against democratic principles or the electoral process but a principled stance taken within the constitutional framework of India to highlight the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people.
The letter elaborated that the ENPO, along with the people of eastern Nagaland, had resolved on February 23 to abstain from participating in central and state elections due to the failure of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to settle the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory, as promised on December 7, 2023.
This resolution was reiterated on March 19. Despite numerous appeals through letters and mass public gatherings, the MHA did not address their concerns, leading to the announcement of the model code of conduct (MCC) for the Lok Sabha 2024 elections by the ECI.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The ENPO emphasised that its decision reflects the sentiments and aspirations of the eastern Nagaland people, who have tirelessly advocated for their rights within the democratic governance framework.
The organisation said that it remains hopeful that the Government of India will take concrete steps to address the longstanding issue of the Frontier Nagaland Territory.
Also Read | Five reasons why Eastern Nagaland is ‘abstaining from elections’