1. Historic Voter Abstention in Nagaland Amidst Separate Statehood Demand.
2. ENPO-Led Protest: Zero Voter Turnout Reflects Deep-seated Grievances.
3. Nagaland Elections: Residents Demand Frontier Nagaland, Opt for Voter Abstention.
Kohima, April 20: Six districts in Nagaland witnessed a historic moment during the recent Lok Sabha elections, with zero voter turnout as a display of protest.
Led by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), residents abstained from voting to demand a separate state called Frontier Nagaland, reflecting deep-rooted grievances of neglect and marginalization.
The ENPO, representing seven tribal bodies, has been advocating for a separate state since 2010.
The districts of Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamatore, and Noklak, constituting the ENPO area, remained devoid of any voter participation, showcasing solidarity with the demand for separate statehood.
This abstention was declared amidst the backdrop of a perceived “public emergency” in these districts, highlighting the firm opposition to political campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls.
Despite holding 20 seats in the 60-member Nagaland Assembly, the ENPO asserts that their region has been overlooked in terms of development.
Also Read: Assam Tops Voter Turnout at 70.77% by 6 PM in Lok Sabha Elections 2024; Mizoram Trails at 53.96%
Throughout the polling hours, reports confirmed zero turnouts until 1 pm, signaling the unwavering stance of the populace in these six districts.
The absence of voters serves as a powerful form of protest against systemic injustices and emphasizes the pressing need to address regional grievances.
In a remarkable show of unity, 20 legislators from Eastern Nagaland also refrained from voting in the ongoing elections, contributing to the subdued atmosphere across the region’s polling stations.
