After Lok Sabha polls, eastern Nagaland to abstain from ULB election, central or state celebrations

DIMAPUR — People of eastern Nagaland have reiterated their commitment to abstain from participating in the upcoming urban local body (ULB) elections scheduled for June 26, in alignment with the Chenmoho Resolution adopted on February 23 this year.

The resolution, which called for total abstention from state and central elections, arose from the delayed settlement of the Government of India’s offer to create a ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

On Monday, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, through a public notice, reiterated the eastern Nagaland citizens’ commitment to uphold the resolution by abstaining from the upcoming ULB election, “alongside a resolute abstention to partake in any central or state celebrations/ events until such time, Frontier Nagaland Territory becomes a tangible reality”.

This declaration follows the region’s complete abstention from the recent 18th Lok Sabha election held on April 19, resulting in zero voter turnout in the six eastern districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator and Tuensang.

Earlier on April 26, the state Cabinet had directed the state election commission to initiate the process for conducting the long-pending ULB election in the state.

Subsequently, the Municipal Affairs department outlined the election schedule with April 29 as the date for publishing the election notification for three municipal councils and 36 town councils in the state.

The nomination period will run from June 7 to the 11th, with scrutiny on June 13 and the last date for withdrawal on June 20. Polling will take place on June 26, and results will be declared on June 29.

Notably, under Mon district, Aboi Town Council has 9 wards with three wards reserved for women; Mon Town Council has 11 wards with four wards reserved for women; Naginimora Town Council has 9 wards with 3 wards reserved for women; Tizit Town Council and Tobu Town Council have 9 wards each with 3 wards each reserved for women.

In Longleng district, Longleng Town Council has 11 wards with 4 wards reserved for women and Tamlu Town Council has 9 wards with 3 wards reserved for women.

Kiphire Town Council has 11 wards with 4 wards reserved for women, while Seyochung Town Council and Pungro Town Council have 9 wards each with 3 wards each reserved for women.

Noklak Town Council has 9 wards with 3 wards reserved for women, and in Tuensang district, Tuensang Town Council has 15 wards with 5 wards reserved for women while Longkhim Town Council has 9 wards with 3 wards reserved for women.