The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and various tribal bodies in eastern Nagaland have expressed appreciation and extended support for the ongoing Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency, declared on March 5, 2024.
In a joint statement, the ENPO, tribal bodies, Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation (ENWO), and Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) assured protection to elected members and government servants facing repercussions for complying with the decision to abstain from voting. They clarified that this decision was not a boycott but a voluntary abstention from participating in the electoral process.
ENPO President R Tsapikiu Sangtam emphasized that the people of Eastern Nagaland were abstaining, not boycotting, the election, highlighting their stance against the electoral process.
Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party (BLP) leader, Y Patton, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting polling across the state, including in Eastern Nagaland, despite facing opposition. Patton addressed concerns raised by media personnel regarding potential incidents amid resistance to participation in the electoral process, particularly in Eastern Nagaland.
Following a meeting with BJP legislators and party workers, Patton emphasized ongoing efforts to engage the ENPO in the upcoming election. He dismissed ENPO’s criticism of the state government, citing a lack of consultation from their end.
Additionally, Patton refuted accusations by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), challenging their assertions regarding the BJP-NDPP coalition’s stance on preserving Naga identity and faith. He labeled the accusations as political rhetoric without substance and affirmed the coalition’s resilience against such criticism.