Dimapur: The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has reiterated its stance to abstain from the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections scheduled for June 26.
This decision was reaffirmed during a coordination meeting of the executives of the ENPO and all tribal bodies under ENPO on Tuesday, May 14, at Tourist Lodge in Dimapur.
The meeting was convened to discuss and reaffirm the ENPO’s decision to abstain from participating in the upcoming ULB elections. The house reaffirmed their commitment to the “Chenmoho Resolution” adopted at Chenmoho village on February 23 this year.
Following the meeting, ENPO President Tsapikiu Sangtam, while addressing the press, reaffirmed that as per the resolution adopted on February 23, the ENPO will refrain from participating in any elections until the final settlement and “achievement” of the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) is realised.
He clarified that this stance is not a “boycott” but rather an abstention from participation.
“We will not say ‘boycott’, but we are not participating,” stated Sangtam. He further mentioned that the ENPO will send a written representation of their stance to the Election Commission.
Regarding the Eastern Nagaland residents in Dimapur, Sangtam clarified that there is currently no directive from his office for them. However, he mentioned that if they voluntarily choose to extend solidarity for the cause of the people of Eastern Nagaland, the ENPO has no objections.
Sangtam also clarified that ENPO’s resolutions do not cover areas outside their jurisdiction which covers six districts, and that it would not be appropriate for them to provide directions on those issues.
When asked about the impact of their abstention from previous elections, Sangtam reiterated that they will continue to adhere to the resolutions made in the Chenmoho Resolution. He emphasised that if their demand for the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) is not met, they will resort to agitation or abstention from all elections.
Regarding the response from the Central Government on the FNT issue, Sangtam mentioned that the Centre has “fulfilled “done their part” and fulfilled what was promised.
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
He, however, said that it now the responsibility of the state government to do its part. “They have done their part. Whatever they had promised, they have completely made the decisions and fulfilled it with us accordingly. Now it is the part of the state government to respond,” he said.
Recently, the ENPO had highlighted the delay in settling the FNT issue was due to the state government’s failure to provide comments on the draft Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) to the Government of India within the stipulated timeframe.
Also Read | NagaEd wins Silicon Valley tech award for digital education