Kohima, 30 March (MTNews): Former Nagaland Congress President and Ex-Finance Minister, K Therie, has called for the intervention of the Governor of Nagaland in addressing the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization’s decision to boycott the upcoming elections. Terming the boycott as a constitutional breakdown, Therie urged the state’s governor to facilitate discussions with the government to resolve the issue promptly.
Therie emphasized that boycotting the election was an “extreme step” and a constitutional breakdown, and would be considered as a “black chapter in the history of Nagaland’s Statehood.”
He noted potential confusion stemming from the division between ENPO and its elected MLAs, and said that ENPO is standing on issues of discrimination and grievances with support of the rural population and the youth. “They deserve to be respected,” he said.
Therie also said that the MLAs, although elected by ENPO voters, are “slaves to their election debts as the system is.” He added, “Slaves do not raise their voice for their rights. Now, therefore, the voice of ENPO and its Frontals are important.”
Reportedly, Therie said, the Chief Minister himself encouraged ENPO to meet with the Union Home Minister regarding their demands. However, Therie criticized the initial dismissal of ENPO’s concerns by the state government, stressing the importance of addressing grievances rather than shutting doors.
“Public order falls under State Subject, therefore, maintaining peace and harmony and public order is the duty of the State. Showing the doors to ENPO in the beginning instead of addressing the issues, is a grave error,” Therie said.
Therie held the “opposition-less and voiceless government,” particularly elected MLAs, collectively responsible for the failure to address ENPO’s demands. He urged them to awaken to the urgency of the situation and actively engage in resolving the issue.
In his interactions with ENPO leaders and citizens, Therie described them as peaceful and amiable and willing to cooperate with the State.
“14 years have passed without much attention to address the demands. We have not heard of any action taken attempting to resolve the problem,” said Therie.
Although late, instead of leaving the matter to deteriorate, Therie appealed to the Governor of Nagaland to initiate discussions with the government to resolve the problem across the table.
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