Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland, Vayasan R on Friday issued a caution on president of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) R. Tsapikiu Sangtam after the latter replied to the show-cause notice issued by his office on April 18 with regard to the declaration of bandh over entire Eastern Nagaland by the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Control Room.
Explaining the caution notice, to the ENPO president the CEO Vayasan R emphasised on the importance of preventing any actions that might be construed as interference with the electoral rights of individuals.
CEO reiterated that the ENPO public notice could be construed as an attempt to unduly influence the electoral process, potentially interfering with the free exercise of electoral rights of those residing in Eastern Nagaland. CEO said such actions could be subject to legal ramifications under various sections of the IPC 1860.
Consequently, CEO cautioned the ENPO president, having superintendence over the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Control Room, to take “adequate care” and “to ensure that no action is taken by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation that maybe interpreted as interfering or attempting to interfere with the free exercise of electoral rights of any person.”
In his reply, dated April 19, to the CEO show cause notice, ENPO president explained that the primary objective of the public notice published on April 18, 2024, was “to reduce the possibility of disturbances in the Eastern Nagaland region, which is under our jurisdiction, and the risk linked with gatherings of anti-social elements.”
Taspikiu said that the notice issued on April 18 was aimed at maintaining the law-and-order situation in the Eastern Nagaland region, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
He further mentioned that prior to the issuance of the public notice, consultations were held with the people of Eastern Nagaland, represented through the office of the ENPO.
Tsapikiu maintained that “the shutdown was a voluntary initiative taken by the people of the Eastern Nagaland region.”
The ENPO president expressed regret over any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of their actions and assured full cooperation.