Morung Express News
Kohima | April 4
Nagaland State Cabinet led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday convened a closed door meeting with members the Eastern Nagaland Gazattee Officers’ Association (ENGOA), other senior government officials and holders of important offices from Eastern Nagaland at the conference hall of the Chief Minister’s residential complex in Kohima.
The objective of the meeting was to appeal the ENGOA to persuade people of Eastern Nagaland to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, KG Kenye, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs & Power and spokesperson for the government told a section of media after the meeting.
Describing the meeting as “healthy, free and frank,” Kenye explained that the discussion revolved around various documents and assessing the extent of developments achieved so far in regard to the other political entity –“the new political entity to which they are aspired for.”
The State Government, Kenye informed, presented a concise report detailing the progress made since the issue for demand of a separate entity by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) started in 2010. This was followed by members presenting their opinions and views.
Subsequently, the State Government reiterated its appeal to the citizens of Eastern Nagaland urging them to participate in the upcoming electoral process and cooperate and work together towards finding amicable solutions and not take confrontational positions.
“With understanding and patience, we should resolve this,” said Kenye adding, “It does not mean that the issue will die down if it is not resolved before the parliamentary elections as it is a continuous process.”
“We will continue to request everyone up to the last citizen in the State, wherever they are from, to participate and cast their vote in the electoral process of this country,” Kenye stated. On the response from the ENGOA side, Kenye claimed that the Association has assured the State Government that it will continue to persuade the ENPO, which is spearheading the movement, to participate in the polls.
Mention may be made that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) has been demanding a separate state since 2010, claiming that the six districts in the eastern region have been neglected for years in all aspects.
Of recent, expressing resentment over the non-fulfilment of its demand for a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) reportedly assured by the Government of India to materialize before the Lok Sabha polls, the ENPO on March 5 declared a 'Public Emergency' by calling on people not to participate in any Central or State polls.
