Northeast Desk, 15th April: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and tribal bodies in eastern Nagaland have expressed appreciation and extended support to all officials and citizens for their cooperation during the ongoing Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency, declared on 5th March, 2024.
In a unified stance, the ENPO, tribal bodies, Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO), and Eastern Nagaland Students Federation (ENSF) have assured protection to elected members and government servants facing repercussions for adhering to the decision of the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency through voluntary abstention from voting.
Clarifying the situation, ENPO president R Tsapikiu Sangtam emphasized that the people of Eastern Nagaland were not ‘boycotting’ the election but rather ‘abstaining’ from participating in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party (BLP) leader, Y Patton, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to conducting polling across the state, including in Eastern Nagaland, despite facing opposition. Patton addressed concerns raised by media personnel regarding potential incidents amidst resistance to participating in the electoral process, particularly in Eastern Nagaland.
Following a meeting with BJP legislators and party workers, Patton emphasized the government’s continuous efforts to engage with the ENPO for the upcoming election. He dismissed ENPO’s criticism of the state government, citing a lack of consultation from their end.
Furthermore, Patton rebutted accusations by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), challenging their assertions regarding the BJP-NDPP coalition’s stance on preserving Naga identity and faith. He dismissed the accusations as mere political rhetoric and reaffirmed the coalition’s steadfastness against such criticisms.