The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has reiterated its stance to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Nagaland until its demand for a separate administration or state comprising six districts is fulfilled by the Centre.
Following a closed-door coordination meeting with 20 MLAs and various other organizations in Tuensang, the ENPO leaders reaffirmed their decision to abstain from the parliamentary elections on April 19.
Despite requests from the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union, comprising 20 MLAs, to reconsider their decision, the ENPO remains steadfast in its resolve.
The “public emergency” declared on March 8 in the eastern part of Nagaland will persist, with the ENPO and its associated organizations prohibiting any election campaigning in the region.
Last year, the ENPO and its allied organizations had called for a boycott of the Assembly polls but later withdrew the decision following assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In response to the ENPO’s demand, the Union Home Ministry formed a three-member committee to study the issue, which visited Nagaland multiple times for consultations.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio disclosed that the state government has recommended to the Centre the establishment of an autonomous region for the people of the eastern region, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the ENPO’s demands.
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