Nagaland: ENPO remains steadfast on its election boycott stand

KOHIMA: The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) remains steadfast on its stance to boycott the Lok Sabha elections as a protest against the unmet demands regarding the Frontier Nagaland Territory.

This decision was announced after a lengthy meeting held on Thursday (March 28) at CKS Hall in Tuensang district of Nagaland, involving the Eastern Nagaland Legislature’s Union (ENLU) and a Rajya Sabha MP.

Briefing the media following the meeting, ENPO president R Tsapikiu Sangtam affirmed that the resolution made on February 23, known as the Chenmoho resolution, to boycott both state and central elections in Eastern Nagaland remains unchanged.

He stated, “We cannot immediately withdraw the resolution since it is a public declaration.”

During the discussions, ENLU urged ENPO to reconsider its decision regarding the election boycott, but no conclusive decision was reached.

Also read: Three papers for Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha seat were found valid

Sangtam emphasized that the meeting aimed to bridge communication and coordination gaps among ENPO, ENLU and the general public.

He expressed gratitude for ENLU's consistent support and highlighted the need for unified efforts moving forward.

Sangtam further noted that “public emergency” in Eastern Nagaland will continue.

Additionally, it was disclosed that ENLU presented a draft proposal, previously handed to Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio by union home minister Amit Shah, during the meeting.

However, details regarding this aspect of the discussion remain undisclosed.