Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has declared “public emergency all over Eastern Nagaland with immediate effect”, in view of the delay by the government of India in settling its offer for creation of ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This was among several resolutions adopted at the joint meeting held at Dimapur on March 5 with the tribal bodies and frontal organizations, said a joint statement signed by ENPO president and general secretary and presidents of Chang Khulei Setshang, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Konyak Union, Phom Peoples’ Council, United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji, Yimkhiung Tribal Council, Eastern Sumi Hoho, Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation.
Chenmoho resolution: The house declared the ENPO will strictly implement the February 23, 2024 Chenmoho resolution, “not to participate in any Central and State election” against the delay to settle the offer for creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory by Government of India through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The signatories said that the people of Eastern Nagaland “shall not accede to any assurance that may come up with by the MHA to be implemented after the upcoming Parliamentary election process.”
Dawn to dusk bandh: The house also resolved that, as the next phase of public protest, there would be dawn to dusk bandh all over Eastern Nagaland on March 8, 2024– to be followed by intensive protest.
No election campaign: The house also declared that during the period of public emergency, “there should be no election campaign by any political party within Eastern Nagaland”. The organization warned that any individual or group not adhering to the declaration would be doing so at their own risk whatsoever.
As published in this newspaper on February 26, ENPO during a joint consultative meeting with the federating tribal bodies, frontal organizations, talk team, and senior leaders on February 23, 2024, at Chenmoho Village, Mon district unanimously resolved “not to participate in any Central and State election” against the delay to settle the offer for creation of ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ by government of India through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It may be mentioned that mass public rallies were held across all seven districts and ADC headquarters within Eastern Nagaland on February 9, where thousands of people participated to press for the demand of ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ (FNT) besides signing of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS).
The respective tribal bodies also submitted a memorandum to the Nagaland governor, reiterating their resolve to take their own course of action if the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland were not honoured.
They emphasized that if the election Model Code of Conduct was declared by the Election Commission of India without signing the MoS, then Eastern people would not be held responsible for any untoward situation that may arise in the region.
The memorandum also urged the governor to immediately communicate the report to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Earlier, addressing the media on February 15, ENPO members expressed dismay that despite several assurances by Union Home Minister, they had not yet received the final draft of the FNT.
They highlighted that this was the reason behind the rallies in Eastern Nagaland, urging the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide the draft before the Lok Sabha election model code of conduct came into effect.