The Naga Rising has on Sunday, commended the people of Eastern Nagaland for the demonstration of determination and unity as they successfully abstained from participation in the Lok Sabha polls held on 19th April 2024 in a peaceful protest against the Government of India.
Comparing the 19th April 2024 event to the 16th May 1951, Naga plebiscite Day, TNR stated, “This demonstration of unity and sense of purpose is a valuable lesson for the rest of the Nagas.”
Acknowledging that the people of Eastern Nagaland have been deeply hurt and deceived by those in power several times, TNR maintained that ENPO’s decision to abstain from the election is ‘fully justified’ and applauded them for standing their ground despite the pressure.
“In an extraordinary act of unity of purpose, our brothers and sisters of eastern Nagaland have successfully shown what people’s movement should be like,” TNR said and underlined that all Nagas should support the ENPO and the people of eastern Nagaland during this “difficult and challenging time.”
The Naga Rising further pointed out that any attempt to take action against the ENPO and the people of the region will be unfair and might only alienate them. Other Nagas must reach out to them, while the Govt of India should regain their trust, it stated.
Drawing attention to the fact that ENPO had compromised its earlier demand for separate State of Frontier Nagaland and accepted the alternative proposal for Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) ‘without insisting on dividing Nagaland State’, TNR said that “Nagas must acknowledge this sacrifice made by the ENPO for the greater cause of our fraternity and also for its support to help find a permanent solution to the Indo-Naga issue.”
The ENPO and eastern Nagaland have shown us the true meaning of unity and the way to stand together for one’s cause, The Naga Rising stated.
Eastern Nagaland records ‘nil’ voter turnout; ENPO officials say prayer after peaceful day
