ULB polls spark division in eastern Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Even as political parties and aspiring candidates are in election mood, with Nagaland gearing up to conduct election to the urban local bodies (ULBs) after almost two decades, the poll appears to have sparked division among potential candidates and civil society organisations in eastern region of the state.

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), reaffirming its Chenmoho Resolution of February 23, had earlier declared abstention from participating in any state or central election including the civil polls, until the Government of India and the state government accede to their demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT).

Despite this, at least 61 intending candidates from eastern Nagaland districts had filed nomination papers, culminating in a tense situation on June 11, the final day for nominations.

It was reported that following tension witnessed in Longleng district, as many as 13 candidates, who had filed their nominations, submitted their withdrawal letters. However, it is said that these letters are yet to be handed over to the Returning Officer Longleng.

Following this, a meeting was held on Wednesday, and as per sources, the withdrawal letters are scheduled to be submitted on June 13.

Meanwhile, sources described the situation in the district as ‘normal’.

In Mon district, 21 candidates who had filed nominations have been directed to withdraw them within 24 hours, by 3 pm on June 13, while the Yimkhiung Tribal Council has urged the 27 candidates nominated for the Shamator Town Council and Pungro Town Council to withdraw their nominations by June 17.

Meanwhile, the ENPO’s Central Executive Council meeting and general session that was supposed to be held on June 13 and 14 in Tuensang for the selection of a new executive council, has been postponed “until further notice” due to the ongoing situation.

In an ‘emergency notification’, the ENPO, emphasised the importance of their movement and appealed for calm. It also urged the tribal councils to deal with the situation very cautiously in order to avoid any misunderstanding and confrontation.

It was also reported that the resignation of Phom People’s Council (PPC) president — a constituent of the ENPO — is yet to be accepted by the council.