KOHIMA, 7 Jun: Governor La Ganesan on Friday appealed to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and the people of eastern Nagaland to participate in the urban local body (ULB) polls scheduled on 26 June.
He said that concerns raised by the ENPO, the apex body of seven Naga tribes spread over six districts of the state, with regard to its demand for the creation of a separate state of ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ are being diligently addressed by the Centre.
The ENPO had on 16 May announced its decision to abstain from participating in the local body polls on 26 June. Nil voting was recorded in eastern Nagaland during the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.
“Voting in any election is not merely a right but a significant opportunity that ensures the representation of the people’s voice in governance and the sustenance of democratic principles,” the governor said.
Ganesan assured the ENPO and the people of eastern Nagaland that their “concerns with regard to the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory are being diligently addressed by the central government.”
“Constructive dialogue and continued participation in the democratic process should be encouraged by all the stakeholders concerned,” he said.
Ganesan also urged people to “come together to uphold the democratic values and work relentlessly towards a united and prosperous Nagaland.”
The ENPO has been demanding a separate state since 2010, claiming that six districts in the eastern part of Nagaland have been neglected for years. (PTI)