In a major political development, present elected members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly of eastern Nagaland- the Eastern Nagaland Legislator’s Union (ENLU)- have resolved to participate in the forthcoming election slated for February 27, by defying the diktat issued by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) on August 26, 2022 to not participate in the election vis-à-vis “Frontier Nagaland’ state demand.
ENLU adopted the resolution at its emergency meeting held on January 22,2023 which was attended by the 20 member-legislators of eastern Nagaland.
A joint statement issued by ENLU read: “In an emergency meeting held on January 22, 2023 pertaining to the ENPO Resolution to abstain from the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) election, after a thorough deliberation the house resolved to participate in the upcoming general election 2023 since the election has been notified by the ECI.”
Subsequent to ENPO resolution, all seven apex tribal bodies of Eastern Nagaland also issued strong warning against any person from their respective community, to not file nominations for the forthcoming polls. The seven apex bodies- Konyak Union, United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji, Chang Khulei Setshang, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Phom People’s Council, Tikhir Tribal Council and Yimkhiung Tribal Council had in separate statements, resolved to not participate in the forthcoming election on the basis of the August 26, 2022 ENPO resolution , “until government of India grant the demand ENPO for a separate statehood befittingly”.
The tribal hohos have also issued a stern warning that anyone filing nomination from their respective tribe, would be expelled/ex-communicated while the village(s) of those filing nominations would also be held responsible.
Demand for proposed Frontier Nagaland State spearheaded by ENPO including the Talk Team is being handled by the union home ministry and its minister Amit Shah.
It was also reported that the union home minister was expected to visit eastern Nagaland sometime in the later part of January after polls were announced. Sources said the union home minister is also likely to make some announcement in relation to ENPO demand.
ESH reaffirms to remain under Nagaland; to take part in polls
Sumi community of Eastern Nagaland, under the banner of Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH), has reaffirmed the October 25, 2022 “Nikiye Resolution” that the community “shall continue to exist within the state of present Nagaland in the event of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) demand is considered by the government of India.”
According to ESH president Vikato Yeptho and general secretary Z. Robet Heeto, the resolution was reaffirmed at its emergency meeting held with all frontal organization on January 22, 2023 at Hotel Millennium, Kohima.
They said that the hoho also called on Nagaland governor and apprised him about the decision of the Sumi tribe of Eastern Nagaland.
Meanwhile, ESH has directed the Sumi tribe of Eastern Nagaland to participate in the forthcoming election and exercise their franchise as provided by Article 326 of the constitution of India.