ENPO relaxes election boycott resolution; urges citizens to ensure peaceful polling

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) on Saturday resolved to ‘relax’ its earlier stand not to participate in the electoral process both in the Centre and state till their demand for a separate state — Frontier Nagaland — is granted.

Following ENPO’s resolution, several apex civil society organisations in the eastern districts had warned of taking stern action against those who participate in the upcoming Nagaland Assembly election, including excommunication from the community.

However, as per a press statement, the ENPO decided to relax it decision at its executive meeting on Saturday held at Tourist Lodge Dimapur.

“Following the request of the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) to review August 26, 2022 resolution of ENPO and its constituent Tribal Bodies and frontal organisations to abstain in any election process and the subsequent assurance given by the Union Home Minister to ENPO officials on Feb. 2, 2023, the ENPO in due consultation with its constituent tribal bodies and frontal organisations hereby relaxed the August 26, 2022 resolution with immediate effect,” read the statement.

“The assurance was that, a solution, as mutually agreed, will be reached after following the due process and will be implemented after completion of the election process,” it added.

The ENPO also stated that it has taken a “serious note of the MHA’s request letter dated January 16, 2023 addressed to ENPO President to review the 26th August 2022 resolution of ENPO, its constituent tribal bodies and frontal organisations regarding non-participation in the elections to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls to the Nagaland State Assembly in the larger interest of democracy in the country”.

“In faith with the Union Home Minister and the MHA, Gol, ENPO relaxes the August 26, 2022 resolution in the interest of fair and peaceful conduct of election in the state,” it added.

The ENPO further requested all its citizens to cooperate with the government in the conduct of election and not to create any law and order problem within ENPO jurisdiction.

Shah, Rio hail ENPO’s move

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister omeHAmit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio have welcomed the move of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO), saying that it will strengthen efforts for peace and development.

“It is heartening that in an expression of trust in the Modi government, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) in Nagaland has withdrawn its call to boycott the assembly elections. The decision will help in keeping the ongoing process of peace and development unhindered,” Tweeted Shah.

‘The withdrawal of ENPO’s call for a boycott of the Assembly Election demonstrates confidence in the GoI under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister omeHAmit Shah. It paves the way for a smooth election process and strengthens our collective efforts for peace and development,’ Rio also wrote.

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