The Central Executive Council (CEC) of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) convened a meeting on July 3, 2024, at its headquarters in Tuensang, where it announced that the public emergency declared in Eastern Nagaland on February 5, 2024, has been temporarily suspended.
This decision, according to the ENPO media cell, was aimed at fostering mutual understanding and pursuing a peaceful resolution regarding the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) by the Government of India and will be subject to review based on future developments or compelling circumstances.
‘No election means no nominees’
Addressing another critical issue, the ENPO clarified its stance on appointing Urban Local Body (ULB) nominees. In a statement issued by the ENPO Media Cell, they emphasized that Eastern Nagaland did not participate in the recent elections.
“Simply put, no election means no nominees,” stated the ENPO Media Cell. Consequently, they affirmed that there is no basis for appointing ULB nominees in Eastern Nagaland. The ENPO highlighted the interconnected nature of resolving the Chenmoho issue and the ULB nomination process.
It may be mentioned here that the Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday during a felicitation program for newly elected Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) councilors at Naithu Resort said that the government was considering appointing nominated members in the town councils in Eastern Nagaland where there was no participation in the recently held ULB elections.
While expressing regret over the non-participation, Rio was reported to have said that the government was considering appointing nominated members in these town councils, “keeping in mind the need to assist the people to develop their areas.”
“We will not keep them in isolation. We will take them along with and provide grants to carry out development works,” he reportedly said. CM Rio is also said to have assured the councilors that the state government would provide necessary funds and support to strengthen the ULBs, adding that the government had plans to create a separate directorate with efficient officials to handle the ULBs.
MT