The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) and Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) have expressed unequivocal opposition to any efforts made by the Government of Nagaland to nominate candidates from the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) area as government representatives in municipal councils and town councils under their jurisdiction.
In a joint press statement, the WSH and the CPO reminded the government that “candidates from the eastern areas have been previously restricted from participating in elections within our territories.” This, the two organizations said, was in compliance with the ENPO’s resolution to refrain from engaging in Indian and state elections.
“Thus, the appointment of individuals from the ENPO area as government nominees would not only violate the principles of the ENPO but also undermine the integrity of the state government’s electoral process,” the WSH and CPO stated.
“We call on the government of Nagaland to respect our autonomy and refrain from appointing ENPO area nominees in our municipalities. We affirm our commitment to defending the interests and autonomy of our people and will resist any such appointments,” the joint statement added.