With ENPO resolving that the people of Eastern Nagaland will abstain from participating in any election process until the demand for a “Frontier Nagaland” is met, ENPO has urged the 7 tribal bodies to mobilize at the grassroots to ensure the protest’s success.
Furthermore, ENPO has instructed tribal authorities to prohibit all election-related activities and candidacy declaration programs in their respective jurisdictions, and thereby carry out massive public mobilization programs immediately.
Tsapikyu Sangtam, president of the ENPO, told Mokokchung Times that they came up with the resolution because they saw that despite their announcement to refrain from participating in the election next year, many political activities were taking place, and thus the group deemed it necessary.
When asked if there will be penalties for individuals who disobey the ENPO resolution, he stated that they must listen to an organization such as ENPO.
When questioned if the group could have asked for development and governance as vehemently as they did for Frontier Nagaland, the president stated that the time for development talks has already passed.
“Rio has also stated that the dialogue is between ENPO and the centre. The ball has now been placed in the center’s court. The state government has now no role to play,” he remarked.
When asked whether the situation can be alleviated through a development package, he stated that even 4-5 years ago, the centre proposed a development package, but the organization was steadfast in their demand.
“All we want is a separate kitchen,” he explained.
In case the centre remains adamant to their demand, he said that they shall decide their due course of action in time.
NPCC appeals ENPO to ‘rethink’ on Frontier Nagaland demand
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president K Therie has appealed to the ENPO to rethink about their demand for Frontier Nagaland and stay united. “I think it is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to make clear his mind clear first. As for Congress, it is painful and we don’t want to go the way of Jammu and Kashmir,” Therie said. “After dividing, both Frontier Nagaland as well as the remaining will be not qualified to become a state because we’ll be too small. We may become Union Territories or even Autonomous Councils and even lose Article 371A,” he added. “We appeal to ENPO to rethink, review and be together,” Therie appealed.
‘Refraining from election should not be the only option’
In a conversation with Mokokchung Times, Thomas Konyak, the intending candidate for 41 AC, Tizit in the Mon district, stated that he will follow the people’s mandate and decision. He did, however, emphasize that he will continue to work on both sides.
In response to ENPO’s request that individuals refrain from participating in any political activities, Thomas stated, “If ENPO is going to stick to their decision until the end, then I think their advice is all well and good. However, if they withdraw at the last minute, it will not only confuse the public but also make it harder for them to choose the right candidate since we must remember that the sitting MLAs already have a vote bank.”
Nonetheless, he noted that if the ENPO is sincere and will stay until the end, he finds it “all well and fine.”
“However, refraining from the election should not be the only option,” he added.