No breakthrough: ENPO stands firm on its stance to abstain from Lok Sabha election

DEIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and leaders of various political parties from the eastern region reaffirmed their decision to abstain from participating in the upcoming Lok Sabha election during the joint coordination meeting held in Mon town on Saturday.

As per sources, political party leaders and workers were briefed on the standing demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory and the decision to abstain from the electoral process during the meeting convened by the ENPO.

After deliberating the issue during the daylong meeting, the house decided to remain resolute in its earlier stance.

A series of meetings have been held between the ENPO, tribal bodies, Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union and other organisations in the hope of breaking the deadlock to the impasse but in vain.

The ENPO has stood firm in 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 before the Model Code of Conduct to the Lok Sabha election is announced.

The state is set to go to polls on April 19 to elect its representative to the 18th Lok Sabha and the votes will be counted on June 4.

Three candidates, namely Dr. Chumben Murry (NDPP), S Supongmeren Jamir (INC) and Hayithung Tungoe Lotha (Ind) are in the fray for the lone parliamentary seat.