Although the ENPO blamed the state government for the delay in implementing the FNT demand, Chief Minister Rio stated that the 20 MLAs from the Eastern region and the ENPO had failed to sit across the table to study and discuss the power-sharing system if an autonomous body is created. He said this while speaking to reporters at Tuophema village after casting his vote today.
Regarding the draft Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) between the ENPO and the Centre, Rio mentioned that a copy was handed to him by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah. While considering the draft satisfactory, Rio emphasized the need for deliberations on power-sharing between the elected members from Eastern Nagaland and the proposed FNT.
“The state government has no problem; we have already recommended an autonomous council to ensure they receive a financial package. ENLU and ENPO should sit across the table and discuss. When an autonomous council and ENLU are established, there should be a power-sharing system in place,” said Rio.
Rio also reiterated the state government’s recommendation for the formation of an autonomous council, expressing the desire for the ENPO areas to “receive sufficient economic packages to come at par with the rest of the state.”
Chief Minister Rio commented on the ENPO’s poll abstention, saying, “It is up to the civil societies to decide what they think and do. However, the Government of Nagaland is engaged in thorough discussions to ensure peaceful polling across Nagaland, including Eastern Nagaland.” He added that reports indicated a peaceful situation in both voting and non-voting areas.
On the issue of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) imposing indefinite bandh over its jurisdiction and abstaining from voting in the on-going Lok Sabha election, Rio stated that the state government should not be blamed and added that threadbare discussions will be held.
Rio also mentioned the show-cause notice issued by the Election Commission to the ENPO, expressing concerns over potential electoral interference that could prevent citizens from voting, emphasizing that it is the right of all eligible voters to participate in the election process.
When asked if the poll abstention would affect the ongoing FNT negotiations, Rio responded, “Their activities, whatever they may be, are known to them. However, both the Government of India and the state government will take appropriate action.”
Rio assured a thorough discussion on the matter once the election process was over.
He also expressed optimism that the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) candidate Dr Chumben Murry would win by a comfortable margin.
