ENPO urges eastern Nagaland legislators to abstain from voting

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has urged the 20 legislators from eastern region to respect and honour the decision of the citizens and abstain from voting in the Lok Sabha election.

“This decision was not taken lightly but it represents the collective voice of our community, echoing our shared grievances and concerns regarding the neglect and disregard shown towards our region’s welfare and aspirations by the successive governments,” it said in an appeal to the Eastern Nagaland Legislator’s Union (ENLU) on Wednesday.

Stating that the call for abstention serves as a reminder of the urgency with which eastern region’s longstanding issues must be addressed and resolved, the ENPO said the ENLU would reaffirm its commitment to the principles of democracy and popular sovereignty by standing in solidarity with the people’s choice.

“We implore you to recognise the broader significance of this decision beyond individual political affiliations,” it added.

Further, it underscored that the ENPO, along with the tribal bodies, the Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation and the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation, have made a joint declaration assuring protection to any citizen of Eastern Nagaland, including elected members and government servants, who face repercussions for abiding by the decision to abstain from voting.

Emphasising its desire to avoid misunderstandings or confrontations on polling day, the ENPO urged elected members to remain indoors and refrain from voting to prevent any untoward incidents.

“However, there may be public commotion if you decide to go and cast your vote,” it added.

Also read: USSC issues standing order to monitor polls, enforce ENPO resolution