In a significant development, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has written to the Election Commission of India informing its decision to abstain from participating in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

In a letter addressed to ECI , ENPO stated that the Eastern Nagaland has reaffirmed its commitment to the Chenmoho Resolution taken on March 19 this year wherein it was resolved not to participate in any 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.

Despite numerous reminders through letters and mass public rallies, the MHA turned its deaf ear and finally Model Code of Conduct was announced by the ECl. To this, the Eastern Nagaland populace feels compelled to take this course of action as a means of expressing its collective discontentment, the ENPO explained.

Furthermore, the Organisation underscored that the decision to abstain from participating in any Central and State electoral process should not be taken lightly, as it reflects the sentiments and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people who have tirelessly advocated for their rights and aspirations within the framework of democratic governance.

Moreover, the decision to abstain from polls is not intended as an act of defiance against the electoral machinery or the principles of democracy, informed ENPO.

The Organisation therefore requested the ECI through the State Chief Electoral Officer, to take note of its decision and make necessary arrangements to accommodate their abstention from the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee supported the demand of ENPO as genuine and implored upon the Government of India to accept ENPO’s demand and to refrain from taking any steps that is in contravention to spirit of the ENPO resolutions.