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DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has written to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, conveying the eastern Nagaland people’s collective decision to abstain from participating in the election to the 18th Lok Sabha.
In the letter, the ENPO reiterated its commitment to the Chenmoho Resolution of February 23, 2024, not to participate in any state or central elections, stating that the Ministry of Home Affairs has not fulfilled its offer and assurance to settle the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) before the Model Code of Conduct to the Lok Sabha election is announced.
It said that despite numerous reminders through letters and mass public rallies, the MHA turned a deaf ear to its own assurance made on December 7, 2023. Consequently, the eastern Nagaland populace feels compelled to take this course of action as a means of expressing our collective discontentment, said the ENPO.
“It is imperative to underscore that the decision to abstain from participating in any central and state electoral process is not taken lightly. It reflects the sentiments and aspirations of the eastern Nagaland people who have tirelessly advocated for our rights and aspirations within the framework of democratic governance. The ‘Chenmoho Resolution’ represents a unanimous consensus among the eastern Nagaland populace, and we reiterate our absolute, unconditional, unwavering commitment to uphold it,” read the letter.
Further, the ENPO asserted that the decision to abstain from participating in the election is not intended as an act of defiance against the electoral machinery or the principles of democracy. Rather, it is a principled stance taken within the framework of the Constitution of India, aimed at drawing attention to the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the eastern Nagaland people.
It expressed hope that the Government of India will heed to their concerns and take concrete steps towards addressing the longstanding issue.
The apex body of the eastern Nagaland region also requested the Election Commissioner of India, through the Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland, to take note of their decision and make necessary arrangements to accommodate their abstention from the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.