Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) president R. Tsapikiu Sangtam has categorically clarified that the people of Eastern Nagaland were not “boycotting” the election but “abstaining” from taking part in the electoral process.
In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Post on Sunday, Sangtam assured that there would be no obstruction to polling, and the electioneering process would proceed normally in all ENPO areas despite the decision of the Eastern people to abstain from casting their ballots in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
The assurance also follows deputy chief minister Y Patton’s statement on April 12 that polling stations would be set up throughout the state, including Eastern Nagaland.
Sangtam reiterated that though the normal polling process would continue in all ENPO areas, the public would abstain from taking part in the electoral process.
When asked about the constitutional rights of citizens to exercise their franchise, Sangtam stressed the ENPO’s call to the people of Eastern region to stand in solidarity with the agreement negated before. While acknowledging the citizens’ right to vote, he also highlighted their equal right to refrain from voting.
He said that people of Eastern Nagaland were unhappy with the treatment meted out to them by both the Central and state governments, noting that the region had chosen to express its dissatisfaction at the highest level. He, therefore, appealed to all Nagas for solidarity and prayers for the Eastern region.
Despite apprehensions that there could be potential incidents if polling was to be held in the region, Sangtam assured that the polling day would be peaceful, unless disrupted. “Everything would be peaceful and normal on the polling day, unless someone comes and disturbs us,” he stated. Sangtam said he also expected cooperation from the state government functionaries.
Asked whether there would be any consequences for those wishing to vote, he said that individuals should respect and understand the decision of ENPO areas to abstain from voting in the election.
It may be mentioned that the people of Eastern areas had on February 23, 2024 resolved at Chenmoho village not to participate in any Central or state election. The resolution was also subsequently reaffirmed on several occasions.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) on Saturday had reiterated its appeal to ENPO to participate in the parliamentary election so as to create a “conducive atmosphere to continue the negotiation” after installation of a popular government at the Centre.