Tuensang CSOs reaffirm ENPO resolution to abstain from Nagaland ULB election

DIMAPUR — The Tuensang-based civil society organisations and political leaders on Saturday reaffirmed the resolution not to participate in the upcoming urban local body (ULB) election, at a joint coordination meeting convened by the Chang Khulei Setshang (Chang Tribal Council) at the CTS Hall Tuensang.

A press statement issued by Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) informed that leaders of political parties requested to reconsider the resolution of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to abstain from participating in the ULB election but the house comprising various tribal unions voiced in unison to stick to it.

The house reaffirmed the resolution in line with the rest of the eastern region ‘to show its resentment against the failure of the Indian government to fulfil its assurance on the protracted ENPO demand, it said.

The organisations that participated in the joint meeting included: Changsao Thangjam Setshang, Chang Wedoshi Setshang, Khiarmniungan Union Tuensang Town, Phom Union Tuensang Town, Sangtam Union Tuensang Town, Tikhir Union Tuensang Town, Yimkhiung Union Tuensang Town, All Ward Union Tuensang Town, leaders of 15 wards of Tuensang Town and leaders of various Tuensang-based political parties.

It may be mentioned that the government of Nagaland has scheduled the much-delayed ULB election on June 26 with 33% reservation for women and the Model Code of Conduct is already in force. The counting of votes and declaration of results is scheduled for June 29.

The election will be held for 39 municipalities, comprising three municipal councils — Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung — and 36 town councils and a total of 142 wards out of 418 are reserved for women.

Out of the 36 town councils in the state, 14 are in six eastern districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator and Tuensang.