The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) called a rally in support of the demand for a separate statehood ‘Frontier Nagaland’ at Tuensang Headquarter on 25 October.
During the keynote address, President ENWO, Shamthai Phom reasoned out the call for the demand and its rally and mentioned that eastern Nagas are laid back in every aspect. ENWO stands by the decision taken by the ENPO, and strongly believes the statehood demand is legitimate. “The rally is constitutional, democratic, symbolic and expression of resentment,” she said
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Phom further pointed out that Eastern Nagaland was never administered and occupied by any outside force, therefore it is better “to have a separate kitchen”.
Large number of Eastern Naga women participated in the rally. NT Photos.
Shillem Khiamniungan, Secretary ENPO, in addition to an update on ENPO’s state demand, also asserted that full-fledged fulfilment is the only answer and affirms that ENPO strongly stands to abstain from accepting any package from the state and the centre.
Khiamniungan further appealed for the public to stand strongly by its demand. He also assured that there will be way for fulfilment if the Government of India is unwilling to grant statehood. The public were advised to be mentally prepared.
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Women from all the seven tribal bodies in their speeches shared similar views and extended their support for the demand.
History should be known by men and women, the ENWO body asserted. They pleaded that this is the day of prayer and the government of India should listen to the cries of the Eastern Nagas, and that the Eastern Nagas must be liberated just like Israel’s liberation.
Women showed up for the rally despite the rain. NT Photos.
The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation said that the identity of the Easterns will remain the same even after statehood demands are fulfilled.
Hundreds of Eastern Naga women from all walks of life partook in the rally despite the rain. During the rally all educational institutions and business establishments remained closed.
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The ENWO held a rally on 25 October in support of ‘Frontier Nagaland’. NT Photos. MLA Imkong Imchen urges Special Session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly on ‘Frontier Nagaland’ Issue
