Tuensang, 1 April (MTNews): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has penned a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI), expressing their collective decision to abstain from participating in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for 19 April 2024.
In the communiqué addressed to the ECI, ENPO “regretfully” informed the commission about the Eastern Nagaland people’s resolution to refrain from engaging in the electoral process. The decision was made in adherence to the “Chenmoho Resolution,” which was reaffirmed on 19 March 2024. The resolution underscored their commitment not to participate in Central and State elections “against the failure to settle the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory as offered and assured by the MHA on 7th December 2023, i.e. to be settled before the announcement of MCC to the Lok Sabha 2024 by the Election Commission of India.”
Despite relentless attempts through letters and mass public rallies to draw attention to their plight, ENPO expressed disappointment over the MHA’s lack of response, leading to the eventual announcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the ECI.
“The “Chenmoho Resolution” represents a unanimous consensus among the Eastern Nagaland populace, and we reiterate our absolute, unconditional, unwavering commitment to uphold it,” the ENPO maintained.
The ENPO maintained that the decision is not an act of defiance against the electoral machinery or the principles of democracy. Rather, ENPO said it is a principled stance taken within the framework of the “Constitution of India” aimed at drawing attention to the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people.
The ENPO, however, remained hopeful that the Government of India will heed their concerns and take concrete steps towards resolving the longstanding issue of the Frontier Nagaland Territory.
Further, ENPO requested the Election Commissioner of India through the State Chief Electoral Officer, State of Nagaland to take note of their decision and make necessary arrangements to “accommodate” their abstention from the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.