Nagaland tribal body calls for indefinite shutdown, urges people to abstain from voting in LS polls
Kohima: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), an apex body of seven tribal organizations in India’s Nagaland state, has asked people not to vote in the polls to press for its demand for a separate state and called for an indefinite shutdown in the entire eastern part of the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the polls for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland began today.
On the eve of elections in Nagaland, the ENPO, spread over six districts of the state, in a statement said, “An indefinite total shutdown all over Eastern Nagaland jurisdiction with effect from Thursday night”. It also stated that the situation is “not conducive”.
The ENPO had on Monday said it would protect those who may face repercussions for abstaining from taking part in the polls. It, however, also cautioned that if any person goes to vote and any law and order situation arises, it will be the responsibility of the voter concerned.
The organisation has been demanding a separate state since 2010, saying that the six districts in the eastern part of Nagaland have been neglected in all aspects for years.
