1. ENPO heightens demand for a separate state in Nagaland and declares a “public emergency” in six districts.
2. Decision made after meeting tribal bodies in Dimapur, citing the government’s delay in addressing their demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT).
3. ENPO prohibits political campaign activities for upcoming Lok Sabha polls in affected districts.
Kohima, March 06: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has escalated its demand for a separate state in Nagaland, announcing a “public emergency” across six districts and prohibiting political campaign activities for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The decision was made following a meeting with various tribal bodies and frontal organizations in Dimapur, where ENPO declared a state of emergency due to the government’s delay in addressing their demand for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
ENPO has been advocating for a separate state since 2010, alleging neglect of the six eastern districts of Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator.
These districts, inhabited by tribes such as Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung, have reportedly suffered from long-standing neglect in various aspects.
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The organization has also rejected any assurances from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding their demand, stating that they will not consider any promises made after the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Furthermore, ENPO has announced a dawn-to-dusk bandh (shutdown) in the six districts on March 8, warning individuals and groups against defying their declaration, emphasizing that any such defiance would be at their own risk.