ENPO to wait for JIC report

Morung Express News
Kohima | June 6

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has consented to the Nagaland state government’s request to wait for the report of the Judicial Enquiry Committee. The ENPO, reacting to the Tuensang fiasco had submitted a representation to the government on May 28 demanding disciplinary proceedings within 3 days against the officials responsible for the May 26 incident when returnees from Chennai quarantined in Kohima were transferred to Tuensang without waiting for COVID-19 test results.  

It also wrote to the Governor on June 2 expressing displeasure at what it termed as the state government ignoring its demand for action and instead instituting a judicial inquiry. 

In this connection, the ENPO met the state Cabinet today in Kohima. Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union also attended the meeting. 

ENPO President Kekongchim Yimchunger told the media today that it agreed to the government request taking into consideration the challenges facing the government on account of the COVID-19 crisis. 

While stating that the government assured to take action based on the JIC’s report, Yimchunger said that the ENPO also asked for a written assurance from the government that there will be no extension beyond the 15 days.

 “The numerous committees set up by the government in the past landed nowhere. It just vanished into thin air. And we don’t want such a thing to happen in this issue,” he said. 

Reiterating its stand on this issue, Yimchunger maintained, “There is no tribalism or politics in this issue. Whoever he or she may be, action has to be initiated against that erring official(s).”

He added that the ENPO has acknowledged the apology extended by the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, nonetheless, he asserted, “Apology alone will not suffice, because if this kind of incident keeps happening in the future where shall we land?” 

“If the government takes action against any erring official, everyone will learn a lesson and would be careful in the future,” he said.

 While stating that the ENPO will “not compromise” in any manner on this particular issue, he added that the ENPO is open to initiating further course of action if the JIC report is found to be unsatisfactory.

To tour 6 tribal headquarters
Meanwhile, it was informed that the ENPO will begin its tour within the six tribal headquarters starting June 9.

In a release, ENPO general secretary Manlan Phom informed all the respective tribal bodies to be in the station, as touring ENPO team will be holding co-ordination meeting. It has also requested the respective district administration and police to give free passage to the touring ENPO team.