Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 14
The Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO), on Tuesday, reaffirmed its decision to abstain from participating in the upcoming urban and local bodies (ULB) elections in Nagaland scheduled for June 26.
This decision was reiterated during a coordination meeting of ENPO executive members, along with representatives from all eight affiliated tribal bodies, held to discuss the issue at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur on May 14.
Interacting with the media after the meeting, the ENPO President, R Tsapikiu Sangtam said that house unanimously reaffirmed the Chenmoho Resolution passed on February 23, 2024, declaring that until the organisation’s demands are finalised, it will not participate in any state or central elections.
He also clarified that the ENPO is not boycotting the ULB elections, as it does not wish to go against democratic principles, but instead, it is choosing to abstain.
Sangtam also indicated that Eastern Nagaland people residing in Dimapur and other parts of the State are not bound by the decision as ENPO has not issued any directives to them.
He elaborated that the ENPO resolution does not extend beyond the jurisdiction of the ENPO area and it would be unwise to provide any directive on this matter.
The President further stated that if the solution offered by the Union Government does not materialise, the ENPO is prepared to proceed with any form of agitation to uphold the Chenmoho resolution.
On the status of Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) talks between the Government of India (GoI) and ENPO, he maintained that the GoI has done its part by forwarding a draft proposal to the State Government.
It is now up to the State Government to respond and decide whether to accept it or not, he said, adding that the FNT was proposed by the GoI and it is now the former’s responsibility to support or oppose the proposal.
Sangtam said that the ENPO will wait for the State Government's response and said that the latter might provide some indication of its position after the election process concludes.
Meanwhile, he said that the draft concerning FNT received by the State Government highlights the key points prepared by the GoI, including its proposed structures and arrangements.
He informed that the ENPO has not received the official draft yet and noted that until the State Government replies back, the Central Government will not inform the organisation.
Once the official draft is received, there will be opportunities for negotiation and amendments, Sangtam added.
He also informed that the Union Government and the ENPO have agreed on a ‘unique arrangement’ under Article 371(A), which does not fall under the autonomous council or Union Territory.
