Indefinite shutdown lifted in Eastern Nagaland amidst mass abstention after Lok Sabha polls

Guwahati: The indefinite total shutdown across six districts of Eastern Nagaland has been lifted. The decision to lift the shutdown, imposed by the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Control Room on April 18, was announced in a statement released by the outfit.

The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), tribal bodies, Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation (ENWO), and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) have expressed gratitude to citizens, particularly village authorities, women, political party workers, and all volunteers for refraining from voting in the Lok Sabha polls.

They also acknowledged the invaluable role played by each of them in ensuring the success of the historic mass abstention from the Lok Sabha election that was held on Friday.

In a statement issued by the media cell of Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency, the organizations acknowledged that the public support had fortified their resolve and emboldened their efforts to advocate for the interests and aspirations of Eastern Nagaland citizens. They asserted that this remarkable display would not go unnoticed.

With the organizations spearheading a successful abstention campaign across six districts of Eastern Nagaland and with 738 polling stations bearing witness to absolute silence, they claimed that the region delivered a resounding message of discontent and solidarity, reflecting the collective voice and will of the people.

ENPO, tribal bodies, ENWO, and ENSF also expressed gratitude to the Sumi Youth Organisation and Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation for their deep concern and extending their solidarity with the citizens of Eastern Nagaland at such a time of struggle and pain.

According to the organizations, refraining from voting demonstrated their resentment and asserted their right to demand recognition of the movement, for which they chose peaceful resistance over confrontation.

They said the successful abstention by overwhelming solidarity conveyed a powerful message through action to those in power that the voices of Eastern Nagaland people could no longer be ignored nor silenced.

"It also displayed that the Eastern Nagaland people now stand more united than ever. We assure our citizens that in the quest for justice, we will continue to go the extra mile until our voices are heard, our grievances are addressed, and our aspirations are realized as our genuine cry cannot be ignored or silenced," they stated.

Further, the ENPO said it looked forward to continued support from each stakeholder, stressing that by fostering committed public involvement and cooperation, they could work together to achieve the common objectives and dreams of Eastern Nagaland, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

The organization asserted that they firmly believed that the chief minister also appreciated that the citizens of Eastern Nagaland had always supported his leadership since DAN-1 to the present.

"Today, as we demonstrate our resentment through mass abstention in a democratic manner, we urge him to maintain and desist from inflicting any political repercussions on our 20 MLAs and the Government servants from the Eastern Nagaland region under any circumstances," it stated.

They declared that the citizens of Eastern Nagaland would stand behind them in the face of any political adversity.

They further advised all citizens to refrain from passing any negative comments against any leader, individual, or group on different social media platforms.