The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has today responded to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland’s show cause notice issued to them yesterday. The ENPO clarified that the main goal of the public notice published on April 18, 2024, was to reduce the possibility of disturbances in the Eastern Nagaland region, and the risk linked with gatherings of anti-social elements. It reminded that the Eastern Nagaland region is presently under Public Emergency.
“Prior to the issuance of the public notice, consultations were held with the Eastern Nagaland people, represented through the office of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). It is important to note that the shutdown was a voluntary initiative taken by the people of the Eastern Nagaland region,” stated the ENPO.
In its letter to the Election Commission of India on April 1, the ENPO communicated the intentions of the Eastern Nagaland people to abstain from participating in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The organisation claimed that the decision was made in light of the prevailing circumstances and sentiments of the people.
“The notice that was issued on 18th April, 2024 was aimed at maintaining the law-and-order situation in the Eastern Nagaland region, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
We would like to highlight that Subsection (1) of Section 171 © is not applicable in this context as no offence related to undue influence at any election has been committed by us or the Eastern Nagaland people,” clarified the ENPO.
The notice issued, according to the ENPO, was to deter anti-social elements from creating law and order situation in its region, and as a means of expressing their collective will.
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“Given that the shutdown was a voluntary initiative by the people, there was no question of coercion or enforcement by the ENPO or any other authority. It is pertinent to mention that ENPO does not possess any mechanism to enforce its resolutions or orders. We operate solely on the basis of voluntary participation and consensus among the Eastern Nagaland people,” maintained the Organization.
It assured the CEO Nagaland of its full cooperation incase or any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of its actions, and expressed commitment to providing any further clarification or information.
“We hope this response addresses the concerns raised in the show cause notice. We remain open to dialogue and collaboration to ensure the smooth functioning of law and order in the Eastern Nagaland region,” stated the ENPO.
