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DIMAPUR — With the 18th Lok Sabha election approaching, independent candidate Hayithung Bill Lotha has emphasised the significance of every single vote in shaping India's democratic future and criticised the state government’s “attitude to brush off lakhs of votes from the Eastern Nagaland region” simply because it failed to come to an agreement.
In a press statement, Hayithung pledged attention to the education and health sectors, besides other commitments, if only the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) reconsider their decision to abstain from the upcoming election and participate as a major player in electing the next MP to represent the Eastern Nagas, who will be capable “to press upon the next Prime Minister of India in fulfilling the FNT (Frontier Naga Territory) demand”.
“My representation as an elected Lok Sabha MP will not only be limited as a guarantor to the FNT but also as a guardian to any entity or factor that will threaten the socio-cultural, religious and political identity of the Eastern Nagas,” he said.
Stating that he chose not to stay silent nor blind to the demands of the ENPO and the lakhs of people who had gone through a lot of inequalities and sufferings since attainment of statehood in 1963, Hayithung said that he has set priorities that, if given an opportunity, he would prioritise the needs and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland for a better future by fulfilling the demand for FNT.
He promised to bring about and achieve the political, financial, and administrative autonomy that the people of Eastern Nagaland desire. This includes the appointment of a Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) equivalent to the rank of Chief Minister, who shall directly report to the Governor's Office. Most importantly, the FNT should receive direct funding from the Central Government and be monitored and supervised by the Government of India.
“I extend a clarion call upon the ENPO, the most prestigious, powerful and dedicated organisation of the Eastern Nagas, to invest their faith and power of vote in a candidate like myself, who is neither influenced nor dictated by the ideology of any political party or with any obligation but only driven by the philosophy to facilitate equality and justice for all,” he said.
Further, he claimed that participating in the electoral process in 2024 by the ENPO will be the "most historic and defining moment" to truly show the ''power and worth" of the Eastern people of Nagaland.