Guwahati: The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) decided to soften its former stance to refrain from participating in any electoral process until their demand for the construction of a distinct “Frontier Nagaland” was met, which was a significant shift.
In a formal statement, ENPO stated that in response to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ request the executive meeting convened on Saturday at the Tourist Lodge Dimapur decided to relax the August 26, 2022 resolution with immediate effect.
“Following the request of the MHA to review the August 26, 2022, resolution of ENPO and its constituent Tribal Bodies and Frontal Organizations to abstain in any election process and the subsequent assurance given by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ENPO officials on February 2, 2023, the ENPO in due consultation with its constituent Tribal Bodies and Frontal Organizations hereby relaxed the August 26, 2022, resolution with immediate effect,” the statement reads.
Stating that the guarantee was a mutually agreed-upon solution that would be reached after following the proper procedures and would be put into effect following the conclusion of the election process.
The MHA requested in a letter dated January 16, 2023 to the president of ENPO that ENPO, its constituent Tribal Bodies, and Frontal Organizations review their August 26, 2022 resolution regarding non-participation in the elections in order to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections for the Nagaland State Assembly in the interest of national democracy. ENPO said that it had taken this request seriously.
“In faith with the Union Home Minister and the MHA as well as GOI, ENPO relaxes the August 26, 2022 resolution in the interest of fair and peaceful conduct of the election in the state,” it added.
Additionally, ENPO urged all individuals to assist the government in organising the election.
“Further, ENPO requests all its citizens to cooperate with the government in the conduct of the election and not create any law and order problem within ENPO jurisdiction,” it added.
Notably, the ENPO has been calling for the creation of a distinct Frontier State and has warned both its citizens and lawmakers not to vote.
Nagaland is now clear and free to discover its way to successfully organise the elections thanks to this important change.
Election day in Nagaland is February 27, and the counting of votes will take place on March 2.