DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) has clarified its stance on the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) issue and urged all parties to refrain from politicising the matter.
In a press release issued on Friday, the ENLU, which comprises 20 elected members from eastern Nagaland, noted that “a particular political party has made some immature statements, politicising the issue to the extent of pointing fingers at the Chief Minister of Nagaland,” accusing of delaying the FNT.
“The Chief Minister cannot be blamed or made responsible, but rather under his leadership and guidance we are all making concerted efforts to resolve the issue in a manner that is in the best interest of the people,” it maintained.
The ENLU went on to explain that it received the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) draft from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Chief Minister of Nagaland and then, initiated discussions with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and other frontal organisations from the region.
“However, the ENPO refused to study or give comments stating their doubt over the authenticity of the draft which lead to the delay in the progress of the talk,” it clarified.
Further, it said that the ongoing dialogue between the ENPO and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is an ongoing matter that cuts across all political lines as it pertains to the aspirations of the tribes and people of the eastern region.
Asserting that the FNT “must not be used as tool for any political mileage or gain by any individual or political party in any way whatsoever”, the ENLU urged that the matter is left to the negotiating parties until a final agreement is reached.
Asserting that the FNT issue is a matter of concern for all sections of the Naga community, it called for a unified approach to resolving the matter, and urged all sections of the people not to politicise the matter by making immature statements that could create misunderstanding or division in Naga society.