The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) is reportedly contemplating a boycott of the much-celebrated Hornbill Festival again, bringing the longstanding issue of Frontier Nagaland demand back into the limelight. As the political landscape heats up, key figures within the Nagaland government are making earnest appeals for unity while the internet has divided into two camps with many calling it a ‘gimmick’ while some ardently supporting the ENPO’s decision.
Minister Temjen Imna Along as well as Government Spokesperson and Minister KG Kenye have emerged as key figures, earnestly urging the ENPO to participate in the Hornbill Festival under the banner of unity. In contrast, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s response of “We will discuss about that” during recent media interactions reflects a measured approach to the unfolding controversy.
With less than a month remaining until the Hornbill Festival, the layers of the ENPO issue have come into sharper focus. It is evident that the Nagaland government is keen on a swift resolution.
According to Minister KG Kenye, the government has proposed an economic package to the Centre specifically for the ENPO area, intending to catalyze development and bring it on par with the rest of the state.
Kenye explains that this is an attempt to rectify past oversights when the state government failed to address ENPO’s grievances, despite substantial funds being allocated by the Centre since Nagaland’s statehood stating, “channelization of funds might have been wrong or it did not reach the places.”
In a nuanced analysis, Kenye contends that the ENPO issue transcends mere politics, identifying it as predominantly “economic in nature.” He underscored deficiencies in various sectors within ENPO, including infrastructure, education, health, and a per capita income lagging behind the state average.
“If those issues are addressed, there will be no other problem… we have to address all those grievances with more concentrated focus on the ENPO areas,” the Nagaland government spokesperson told media persons following the recently held emergency Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Kenye also informed that the geopolitical nature of the issue, involving changes in the demarcation of the state, brings the concerns back to the state and said that the state government has been trying to play the “healing role” between the ENPO and Centre.
He stated that the ENPO may have “demanded too much” or the Centre may have given “false hope” during the negotiations, and as such, the state government must promote a balanced approach.
Kenye expressed the government’s satisfaction at the ENPO seeking support, emphasizing that since the government’s recommendation of the ENPO case in 2011, there have been no misunderstandings.