“People of Eastern Nagaland shall not participate in any election process of the state and central until and unless a separate statehood “Frontier Nagaland” is fulfilled as demanded by the people of Eastern Nagaland through the grassroots”, said a resolution adopted by the seven tribal bodies.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Seven tribal bodies under Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) has resolved not to participate in any election process of the state or union till their demand for a separate statehood “Frontier Nagaland” is fulfilled as demanded by the people of the Eastern Nagaland through the grassroots.
Talking to TFM correspondent, ENPO president, Tsapikiu Sangtam, said that the “talk team” of the seven tribes under the ENPO jurisdiction had to come up with decision after thorough deliberations for three consecutive days’ meet held on August 24 to 26 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.
He informed that the decision was also made after keeping in mind the “outburst” of the publicsentiments not to participate in the ensuing Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) election if their demand for a separate “Frontier Nagaland” which is a long pending issue was not met at the earliest.
Tsapikiu said that it was on November 16 last year (2021), the response of the letter which was written to the union home minister was awaited but with the lapses of nearly nine months, there was no response with regard to the demand which is to have one’s “own separate kitchen.”
With no patience left and the election just round the corner, the ENPO president further added that it had decided to boycott by non-participation in elections whether it is state or central till their demand is fulfilled. Apart from the long pending issue, various agendas were also discussed pertaining to the organization.
Meanwhile, after a joint consultative meeting with selected leaders of Eastern Nagaland, Talk Team, seven tribal bodies, and frontal organizations under ENPO, held on August 26 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, a 4-point resolutions was unanimously adopted which include:
1. People of Eastern Nagaland shall not participate in any election process of the state and central until and unless a separate statehood “Frontier Nagaland” is fulfilled as demanded by the people of Eastern Nagaland through the grassroots. The seven tribal bodies-Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS), Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Konyak Union (KU), Phom People’s Council (PPC), United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC), and Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) are further endorsed to mobilize at the grassroots for success of this move.
2. Resolved that ENPO, 7 tribal bodies and frontal organizations shall jointly appeal NSCN (K-YA) group to maintain peace, and not to disturb the peaceful co-existence in any manner within Eastern Nagaland region. The ENPO, 7 tribal bodies, and frontal organizations shall ensure that this genuine appeal is respected and adhered to. The public of Eastern Nagaland shall take a stand if this appeal is not honoured.
3. The house further resolved that ENPO, 7 tribal bodies, and Frontal organizations shall jointly ask Wanching village to pursue for obtaining NoC from neighbouring Ao villages for merger of Anaki Phom village under Longleng district from Mokokchung district. Issues within the Eastern families shall be taken up in an understanding manner at a later stage.
4. Resolved to constitute a committee to study and recommend suggestions for resolving the issue relating Eastern Sumi at the earliest.