Following a joint meeting on March 30 between the State cabinet with Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU), the two unanimously agreed to issue an earnest appeal to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) against refraining from participation in the Lok Sabha polls slated for April 19, and instead, engage in the electoral process.
According to a DIPR report, both the cabinet and ENLU also emphasised on the importance of fulfilling democratic responsibilities for the betterment of the region and its populace besides underscoring the significance of participation.
At the meeting, ENLU members provided the Cabinet with an update on their recent trip to Delhi and their discussion with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization in Tuensang on March 28. The agenda included deliberations on participation in the impending national elections and the imperative of inclusive representation in the political sphere.
Additionally, the meeting noted that with the establishment of a new popular government at the Centre, there would be a conducive environment for further negotiations regarding ENPO’s demands.
In consideration of these points, the Cabinet and Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union members earnestly call upon the ENPO and its constituents to prioritize democratic principles and ensure broad participation in the forthcoming national elections. They said such actions will pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for Eastern Nagaland.
Therie appeals Gov to intervene in ENPO poll boycott call
DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Congress leader and former minister K. Therie has urged upon the State Governor to promptly intervene in the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organizations (ENPO) issues, particularly in light of the latter’s call to abstain from taking part in the election process, a move which he said threatened to precipitate a breakdown of the constitution.
Therie in a statement, said the decision of ENPO to boycott the election represents an extreme departure from democratic norms, constituting a flagrant violation of the Constitution adding the such a move threatens to mar Nagaland’s Statehood history with a dark stain.
He said that amidst apparent discord between ENPO and its MLAs, it was crucial to acknowledge ENPO’s principled stand against discrimination and grievances, bolstered by the support of rural communities and youth. He said people in eastern Nagaland rightfully deserve respect.
Therie said though the 20 ENPO MLAs were elected by ENPO voters, they have become ensnared in the web of electoral debts, rendering them voiceless in advocating for their constituents’ rights.
“Slaves do not raise their voice for their rights”, said Therie and reiterated that the voice of ENPO and its frontals were therefore important.
In addition, Therie also held chief minister Neiphiu Rio squarely responsible for compounding the situation through encouraging ENPO leaders to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah with their demands.
Therie reminded that maintenance of public peace and harmony was the bounden duty of the state but added that by “showing the doors to ENPO in the beginning instead of addressing the issues is a grave error”.
Therie reiterated that the blame for this untenable situation fell squarely on the shoulders of the opposition-less and voiceless government, particularly the elected MLAs all of who bore collective responsibility the future outcome.
He said it was imperative for them to awaken to the gravity of the situation and take decisive action.
Citing his personal experience with ENPO leaders and public Therie described them peaceful and amiable and willing to collaborate with the State.
He however expressed sadness that for 14 years, their demands have been largely ignored, with little to no concrete action taken to address the underlying issues.
Under the circumstances and instead of allowing the situation to further deteriorate, Therie urgently appealed on the state governor to ask the ruling party government in compelling it earnestly engage with ENPO to resolve the issues at hand.