Our Reporter
Dimapur, Sep. 7 (EMN): Less than two weeks after the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) announced its resolution ‘not to participate in any election process of the state or the Centre unless its demand of a separate state -- Frontier Nagaland -- is fulfilled’, intending candidates from the area have started preparing for the upcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly 2023 polls.
An intending candidate of 43 A/C Tapi, Mon district, Geihwang Konyak, told Eastern Mirror that he would happily support the decision of the ENPO if it firmly sticks to its August 26 resolution.
Konyak had recently held his “dedicatory service-cum-office bearers installation”.
“If the Government of India (GoI) concurs to the demand of the ENPO for a Frontier Nagaland, I will be happier as it is for my future but if the GoI declares election; if the other tribes participate; and if the ENPO betrays one another, than it will be a political failure,” he pointed out.
“We are in confusion and if the ENPO is really concerned about the issue, then it should be in a democratic manner. Also, we don’t have time and only letter declaration will not suffice; and if we fail, it will be a political failure for the people of eastern area. I support the genuine stand of the ENPO but whatever they do should not be for the political gain of just one or two people,” he asserted.
Another intending candidate, who did not wish to be named, said that he would prepare for the upcoming election as it is only a few months away, although he had heard and read about the ENPO’s declaration.
“I will support the genuine cause of the ENPO and stand with them but whatever decision they take should not be harsh and quick as it will be a loss for the people,” he opined.
The ENPO president, Tsapikiu Sangtam, when asked earlier this month if its decision to stay away from election would be beneficial for the people, had told this newspaper that it was time for the people of eastern Nagaland to have their own ‘kitchen’.
“We have been at a loss since the inception of statehood so it will be of no difference even if we abstain from the election process in the coming state Assembly election,” he stated.