The new executive council of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) formally assumed office at the handing and taking over ceremony held at Hotel Saramati here on Friday. The handing and taking over ceremony was held closed door where A Chingmak Chang officially took over as president of ENPO from his predecessor Tsapikiu Sangtam.
Briefing the media after the ceremony, Chingmak highlighted the ongoing issues faced by ENPO and said the executive council would take up the issues with the confidence and support of all members, stakeholders, and tribal bodies.
He also highlighted the continuous nature of ENPO’s work, assuring that the new members would carry forward the efforts of their predecessors. Chingmak acknowledged the involvement of all stakeholders, including eight tribal bodies and frontal organisations, and stating that some tribes were still in the process of submitting their representatives.
He disclosed that some members from the previous team would continue to work alongside him to ensure continuity and experience within the organisation.
Reaffirming his commitment to ENPO’s cause, former ENPO president Tsapikiu Sangtam remarked that leadership might change, but the work and dedication to the organisation’s mission would remain constant.
On the statements by chief minister Neiphiu Rio vis-à-vis working with the ENPO, he expressed gratitude to the former for his support and understanding on the issues faced by the organisation. He clarified that the body’s demands aimed at the betterment of everyone and not to create enmity.
About the outcome of the meeting, Tsapikiu said that the meeting’s primary purpose was handing and taking over ceremony, revealing that a joint coordination meeting would be held soon to discuss further actions and strategies.
Regarding ENPO’s stance on the recently-concluded Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, he clarified that their decision to not participate was a form of protest to express resentment to the Central and state governments. He maintained that non-participation did not mean losing the reserved seats, but was a deliberate move to make a statement.
When asked about the impact of ENPO’s stance on employment of youth, particularly regarding vacancies in the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB), Tsapikiu emphasised that adherence to policy norms was crucial.
He pointed out that it was not about securing prestigious or menial jobs but about following established guidelines. Asked about the expectations from the Lok Sabha member in relation to the ENPO issue, he commented that leaders with a sense of “humanitarian” duty should participate and support the organisation’s cause.
“It is not about allegiance to a specific party or community but about fostering a spirit of peaceful coexistence and competitiveness,” Sangtam underscored. He further emphasised inclusive participation from leaders to ensure harmony and progress for all communities involved.