The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), on Wednesday, wrote to the Nagaland State Election Commissioner to inform of the collective decision of the people of Eastern Nagaland to abstain from participating in the upcoming elections to the Municipal and Town Councils scheduled to take place on 26th June 2024.

The ENPO however emphasized that its decision should not be misconstrued as opposition to Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 with 33% Women Reservation.

It stated its commitment to uphold the Chenmoho Resolution to refrain from Central and State elections “against the delay to settle the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory as offered and assured by the MHA on 7th December, 2023, i.e., to be settled before the announcement of MCC to the Lok Sabha 2024 by the Election Commission of India.” The apex organization mentioned that there has been no positive response from the Ministry of Home Affairs despite numerous reminders through letters and mass public rallies.

“It is imperative to underscore that the decision to abstain from participating in any Central and State electoral process is not taken lightly,” ENPO stated, adding that it reflects the sentiments and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people who have tirelessly advocated for their rights and aspirations within the framework of democratic governance.

ENPO also maintained that the abstention is “principled stance taken within the framework of the “Constitution of India” aimed at drawing attention to the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people” and is not intended “as an act of defiance against the electoral machinery or the principles of democracy.”

Further,

The apex body of the seven Eastern Naga tribes informed the State Election Commissioner to take note of our decision and make necessary arrangements to accommodate our abstention from the upcoming ULBs elections in the State.