DIMAPUR — All candidates from eastern Nagaland, who had filed nominations for the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, have withdrawn their candidatures, confirming their adherence to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO)’s call to abstain from all state and central electoral processes.
A total of 61 candidates from eastern districts, excluding Noklak and Tuensang, had initially filed nominations. However, all have since withdrawn, according to sources.
Also read: Nominations filed for ULB polls in eastern Nagaland despite call for abstention
In a statement dated June 17, it clarified that the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) was an initiative and offer made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and not a demand from the organisation.
The ENPO said that the decision to accept this offer or the “third option” which entails the creation of FNT, was discussed and approved during a joint co-ordination meeting on January 7, 2023, at the DUDA Guest House in Sovima, Chümoukedima with the participation of Talk Team, Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union, tribal councils and frontal organisations.
“It should be noted that ENPO has not surrendered its demand for Statehood,” it added.