The apex tribal bodies of eastern Nagaland have been directed by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to not proceed with any Assembly election campaign until its demand of a separate state is met.
Sources informed Eastern Mirror that the eastern districts have also been told to refrain from candidate declaration.
“So far there is no preparedness from any individual or village in the eastern area for the coming state Assembly election as everyone is abiding to our leaders’ call to abstain from election for a separate state. Usually during such time, in most of the villages, there used to be election spirit, however this time there is no preparation but talks on the outcome of the ENPO meeting with the government of India whether our demand will be fulfilled,” a apex tribal body leader said.
Despite the ENPO’s firm stand to abstain from participating in the electoral process, and the call by various organisations for “solution before election”, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has stated that election will be conducted in the state before the tenure of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly expires as the ECI is mandated by the constitution to conduct election and declare results.
‘With the directive of the ENPO to not indulge in candidate declaration and campaign, the eastern districts have no idea who is intending to contest if election takes place as everyone is tight-lipped on election,’ another apex body leader maintained.
Calls made to ENPO leaders to get their stand on the ECI’s statement remained unanswered.