Dimapur Dec 28 (MExN): In a significant development, Tuensang and Mon Public Organization (TMPO) has changed it’s nomenclature to Eastern Nagaland’s People’s Organization (ENPO) on reasons of what leaders of the renamed-tribal organization maintained was due to up-gradation of two more district headquarters under the erstwhile TMPO jurisdiction.
General Secretary of the ENPO, W Lemba Chang said that the activities and commitment of the TMPO was earlier confined only to the two districts i.e., Mon and Tuensang but with the up-gradation of two more districts Longleng and Kiphire, it was necessitated that the nomenclature be changed. “Before the TMPO was confined only to Mon and Tuensang but now more districts have been upgraded within its area so we decided to rename the TMPO” Chang said. To the query if there was any symbolic significance in changing its nomenclature to hint a change of objectives and stance as well vis-à-vis the Naga Hoho, the organization maintained that the earlier stance of non-cooperation with the apex Naga body remained unaffected. “We have no ill feelings against the Naga Hoho but we won’t co-operate with the Naga Hoho until the present dispute has been settled” he said. He maintained that the organization will have nothing to do with the Naga Hoho but reaffirmed support to the ongoing peace process.
Meanwhile the ENPO informed that the change in the nomenclature was affected as per resolution adopted at the special executive council session held at the Tourist Lodge Dimapur on December 9. The jurisdiction will encompass, apart from Mon and Tuensang, the districts of Longleng and Kiphire. At the meeting it was resolved that the ENPO shall, in association with mass civil societies continue to support the ongoing peace process as well as to write to the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell for strict implementation of the ceasefire ground rules among the warring factions particularly those in Tuensang to Noklak and at Tizit. It also resolved to submit a development project to the Government of India for the four ENPO districts “which are still to catch up into the mainstream”.
The newly-elected ENPO office bearers are led by Pohwang Konyak and General Secretary W Lemba Chang aided by five Vice-Presidents namely, Yanang Konyak, Phukyung Phom, A Chingmak Chang, K Shilu Sangtam and Tongthan Khiamniungan. The Joint Secretaries are Jushua Sangtam and Tolong Sangtam (Mokokchung unit) while K Janger will be serving as the ENPO’s Legal Advisor. The Advisory Board consists of Minister Noke Konyak, MLA H Chuba Chang, ex-MP K Asungba Sangtam, ex-Minister Tsepongse Sangtam and P Heno Khiamniungan, retired PA to DC. Bangtick Phom is the Treasurer/Finance secretary while Manang Konyak and H Akum Chang will be representing Mon and Tuensang respectively.
