In response to the recent decision by the citizens of Eastern Nagaland to abstain from participating in the upcoming Lok Sabha election on April 19, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has made a fervent appeal to the 20 legislators from Eastern Nagaland/Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) to honor the decision by remaining “indoors” on the polling day to “prevent any untoward incidents.”
In a joint statement, signed by all the 32 office bearers of ENPO led by its president R Tsapikiu Sangtam, the organization said that the appeal is being made on behalf of the entire people of Eastern Nagaland, seeking their understanding and support regarding “a matter of utmost importance to our community.”
“In all sincerity and in good faith, we wish to remind our esteemed ENLU members that our intention is to avoid any misunderstandings or unnecessary confrontations on polling day,” ENPO stated.
ENPO expressed a firm belief that elected members, by choosing to remain indoors and honoring the decision of the citizens of Eastern Nagaland to abstain from voting, would prevent any untoward incidents. However, they cautioned that there may be public commotion if the elected members decided to go and cast their votes.
ENPO reminded that in a unified display of discontent and frustration towards the government’s failure to fulfill its promises prior to the announcement of the election model code of conduct, the citizens of Eastern Nagaland had recently made a significant decision to abstain from participating in the electoral process (Lok Sabha election).
“This decision was not taken lightly but it represents the collective voice of our community, echoing our shared grievances and concerns regarding the neglect and disregard shown towards our region’s welfare and aspirations by the successive governments,” ENPO asserted. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency with which their longstanding issues must be addressed and resolved, ENPO said.
In light of these circumstances, ENPO said humbly urged ENLU to respect and honor the decision of the citizens of Eastern Nagaland. While acknowledging the duty of elected representatives to serve the interests of their people, ENPO implored them to recognize the broader significance of this decision beyond individual political affiliations.
“By honouring the people’s decision to abstain from participating in the election, ENLU would not only demonstrate solidarity with the aspirations of the citizen of Eastern Nagaland but also reaffirm its commitment to the principles of democracy and popular sovereignty,” it said.
Most importantly, ENPO reminded ENLU of its joint declaration made along with the tribal bodies, ENWO and ENSF, to ensure protection the citizens of Eastern Nagaland including, legislators and government servants, who may face repercussions for abiding by the decision of the citizen of Eastern Nagaland to voluntarily abstain from voting. This decision, according to ENPO, speaks volumes about the unity and determination of the people of Eastern Nagaland.
“We believe that by standing united in our resolve, we can send a powerful message to the outside world about the strength of our community and our unwavering determination to secure a better future for ourselves and generations to come,” ENPO stated.
Meanwhile, ENPO expressed heartfelt gratitude for the attention given to this matter and sincerely hoped for a positive response from ENLU. “Together, let us work towards a brighter and more prosperous future for Eastern Nagaland,” it added.