The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has written to the Election Commissioner of India today expressing the Eastern Nagaland people’s collective decision to abstain from participating in this year’s Lok Sabha election.
The ENPO reaffirmed its commitment to the “Chenmoho Resolution”, wherein it was further reaffirmed and resolved not to participate in any Central and State elections against the failure to settle the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory as offered and assured by the MHA on December 7, 2023, i.e., to be settled before the announcement of MCC to the Lok Sabha 2024 by the Election Commission of India. “However, despite numerous reminders through letters and mass public rallies, the MHA turned its deaf ear and finally MCC was announced by the ECI – which is why, the Eastern Nagaland populace feels compelled to take this course of action as a means of expressing our collective discontentment,” asserted the ENPO.
The organisation further stated, “It is imperative to underscore that the decision to abstain from participating in any Central and State electoral process is not taken lightly. It reflects the sentiments and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people who have tirelessly advocated for our rights and aspirations within the framework of democratic governance. The “Chenmoho Resolution” represents a unanimous consensus among the Eastern Nagaland populace, and we reiterate our absolute, unconditional, unwavering commitment to uphold it.”
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The Organization also emphasized that the decision to abstain from participating in the election is not intended as an act of defiance against the electoral machinery or the principles of democracy. “Rather, it is a 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. We remain hopeful that the Government of India will heed to our concerns and take concrete steps towards addressing the longstanding issue of the Frontier Nagaland Territory,” implored the ENPO.
Requesting thr Election Commissioner of India through the State Chief Electoral Officer, State of Nagaland to take note of its decision, the ENPO also appealed ECI to make necessary arrangements to accommodate its abstention from the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
“We humbly express our gratitude for your esteemed attention to this matter. Should your esteemed office necessitate any further elucidation or details, we stand ready and willing to provide such information without delay,” added the ENPO.
