ENPO responds to Nagaland CEO’s ‘undue influence’ show-cause notice

KOHIMA: The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has responded to the show-cause notice issued by the office of the Nagaland chief electoral officer (CEO).

The notice issued by the Nagaland CEO sought justification from ENPO as to why action should not be taken against the organisation under sub-section (1) of section 171C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The show-cause notice was issued to the ENPO by the Nagaland CEO after the organisation announced an indefinite shutdown in Eastern Nagaland from 6pm of April 18, just hours before polling for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections.

In its response, the ENPO clarified that the primary objective of the public notice announcing shutdown was to mitigate potential disturbances in the Eastern Nagaland region and deter anti-social elements from inciting law and order issues.

The organisation stressed that Eastern Nagaland is currently under a state of “public emergency”, and the shutdown was a measure initiated by the residents to maintain peace and security.

Furthermore, the ENPO highlighted that it had previously communicated its decision to the people of Eastern Nagaland to abstain from participating in the Lok Sabha elections to the election commission of India (ECI) in a letter dated April 01.

This decision, according to ENPO, was made in consideration of the prevailing circumstances and the sentiments of the people of Eastern Nagaland.

Regarding the allegations of “undue influence” in elections, the ENPO asserted that section 171C (1) is not applicable in this context, as no offense related to undue influence has been committed by the organisation.

The ENPO clarified that the shutdown was voluntary, with no coercion or enforcement involved, as the organisation lacks mechanisms to enforce its resolutions or orders.

The ENPO further stated that it regrets any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of its actions and assured full cooperation with the authorities.