Reaffirm stand to abstain from taking part in LS election
Apex organisations from Eastern Nagaland have formally conveyed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) the collective decision to abstain from participating in the Lok Sabha election scheduled on April 19, 2024.
In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, through the state’s chief electoral officer (CEO), Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation president R Tsapikiu Sangtam, vice-president RT Kius Tikhir and general secretary C Manlang Angto, Chang Khulei Setshang president Nungsanglemba Chang, Eastern Sumi Hoho president K Tokishe Sema, Khiamniungan Tribal Council president L Ngon, Konyak Union president Tingthok Konyak, Phom People’s Council president YB Angam Phom, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji president K Aliba Sangtam, and Yimkhiung Tribal Council president Throngso Yim stated that the people of Eastern Nagaland under the aegis of ENPO had on March 19, 2024 reaffirmed their commitment to the “Chenmoho Resolution”, wherein it was further reaffirmed and resolved not to participate in any Central and state elections.
They said the move was against the failure to settle the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) as offered and assured by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on December 7, 2023 before the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the Lok Sabha by the ECI. However, despite numerous reminders through letters and mass rallies, they alleged that the MHA turned a deaf ear and the MCC was announced by the ECI. Hence, they said the Eastern Nagaland people felt compelled to take this course of action as a means of expressing their collective discontentment.
Pointing out that the decision to abstain from participating in any Central and state electoral process was not taken lightly, they said it reflected the sentiments and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people who had tirelessly advocated for their rights and aspirations within the framework of democratic governance.
They claimed that the Chenmoho Resolution represented a consensus among the Eastern Nagaland populace, and reiterated their absolute, unconditional, unwavering commitment to uphold it.
They clarified that the decision was not intended as an act of defiance against the electoral machinery or the principles of democracy, but rather a principled stance taken within the framework of the Constitution of India and aimed at drawing attention to the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland people.
They expressed their hope that the Centre would heed to the concerns and take concrete steps towards addressing the longstanding issue of the FNT.
They requested the Chief Election Commissioner of India and the state government to take note of the decision and make necessary arrangements to accommodate their abstention from the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
Expressing their gratitude to the CEC for his attention on the matter, they declared that they were ready and willing to provide any information without delay, should the former required any further details.
Joint meeting with political parties on Apr 6
Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has convened a joint coordination meeting with leaders of different political parties from Eastern Nagaland region of the state on April 6 at 10 a.m. at KU Hall, Mon town.
In a press note, ENPO information secretary has asked the presidents and secretaries of all political parties in six Eastern districts to attend the meeting. It also requested the presidents and general secretaries of all tribal bodies and frontal organization to be present for the meeting without fail.