DIMAPUR, APRIL 20 (MExN): A day after abstaining from voting in the Lok Sabha elections in six districts of Eastern Nagaland, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and its associate bodies asserted that refraining from voting was choosing peaceful resistance over confrontation.
“Refraining from voting demonstrated our resentment, this asserts our right to demand recognition of our movement, and for which we chose peaceful resistance over confrontation. With the successful abstention by overwhelming solidarity conveys the powerful message through our actions to those who are in the helm of power that the voices of Eastern Nagaland populace can be no longer ignored nor silenced,” an official press statement issued by the ENPO, tribal bodies, ENWO and ENSF stated on Saturday.
It said the Eastern Nagaland civil society organizations and tribal bodies spearheaded a successful abstention campaign across the 6 districts in the 18th Lok Sabha election in what it termed as an “unprecedented display of unity and determination.”
With 738 polling stations bearing witness to absolute silence, the region delivered a resounding message of discontent and solidarity reflecting the collective voice and will of the people, it highlighted.
“Our populace support has fortified our resolve and emboldened our efforts to advocate for the interest and aspirations of EN citizens and this remarkable display will not go unnoticed,” it further stated.
Stating that the Eastern Nagaland people now stands more united than ever, the ENPO assured its citizens that “in a quest for justice we will continue to go extra mile until our voices are heard and our grievances are addressed and our aspirations are realized as our genuine cry cannot be ignored or silenced.”
Urges Rio against any political repercussions
It, meanwhile, urged Nagaland Chief Minister to desist from “any political repercussions on its 20 MLAs and the Government servants from Eastern Nagaland region under any circumstances.”
While reminding the Chief Minister that the citizens of Eastern Nagaland have always supported his leadership since DAN-1 to the present, the ENPO said, “Today, as we demonstrate our resentment through mass abstention in a democratic manner, we urge to him to maintain and desist from inflicting any political repercussions on our 20 MLAs and the Government servants from Eastern Nagaland region under any circumstances.”
Citizens of Eastern Nagaland shall stand behind them in the face of any political adversity, it stated.
At the same time, the ENPO expressed gratitude to its citizens particularly, village authorities, women folks, different political party workers and all the volunteers for their commitment to our shared cause and the invaluable role played by each citizen in ensuring success of this historic mass abstention.
It also expressed gratitude to the Sumi Youth Organization (SYO) and Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) for their “deep concern and extending their solidarity with the citizen of Eastern Nagaland at such a time of struggle and pain.”
Indefinite total shutdown lifted
The ENPO also announced the lifting of the indefinite total shutdown call given across the six districts. “The indefinite total shutdown imposed by the Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency Control Room, Tuensang Hq, effective from 6 pm on April 18, 2024 is hereby lifted with immediate effect. We regret all inconveniences caused,” read a notice issued by Media Cell, Eastern Nagaland Public Emergency informed.
