LS Election: Nagaland Minister Jacob urges ENPO not to abstain from electoral process

Dimapur, April 10 (MExN): Jacob Zhimomi, Nagaland Minister for Public Health Engineering and Cooperation, today appealed to the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to reconsider its decision to abstain from participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha election in the State. 

Speaking to reporters on the sideline of a People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) campaign with Dr Chumben Murry in Niuland on Wednesday, he expressed hope that “good sense should prevail,” implying that as citizens, voting is a national obligation. “It is for future and own development,” he maintained, adding that the Government of India (GoI) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to see a developed Nagaland. 

“And so, as far as Eastern Nagaland is concerned, there is a huge concern for this region, and this is the reason why Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Tuensang in February 2023 just before the state election on the same issues,” he added. He indicated there is a tangible and sustainable development programme for the Eastern Nagaland, but it cannot be done overnight and requires due process.

Zhimomi noted that the working paper for the ENPO development package system, including the functioning of the autonomous council, has been sent to the State Government. So it is the prerogative of the State Government to see not only the ENPO region but the whole state developed and follow a system, he added. 

Accordingly, he expressed his wish to the Eastern Nagaland people not to abstain from the electoral process as they are going to vote for the development of the region and only strengthen the hand of the popular government installed in Delhi under PM Modi. I can guarantee on behalf of GoI that the Government is very keen to develop the remotest part of the State, not only Nagaland but the NE, he further assured.

Further pointing out that Nagaland has been celebrating democracy for the last 60 years ago and a “matured state now,” he added that “whatever decision we take for any parts of the state will have to be taken collectively with due consultations with our people.” This among others would prevent procedural lapses, he opined. 

However, Zhimomi also dismissed notions that abstinence of the ENPO’s would not make any impact and asserted that the State absolutely needs them. All of us together are a state. We need to unite and strengthen each other,” he added.  To this end, Zhimomi urged all eligible electorate, especially first-time voters, to turn out in large numbers and exercise their franchise on April 19.