Zero turnout in 6 distts over statehood protest

KOHIMA: In a rare occurrence, six districts of Nagaland reported zero turnout during voting for the state’s lone Lok Sabha seat amid an election boycott called by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) over the Centre’s delay in the creation of a separate frontier state.

ENPO, which represents the Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung communities, has been demanding a separate Frontier Nagaland state since 2010 over alleged issues of discrimination, particularly on development. The demand gained momentum in 2022 and the organisation had threatened to boycott electoral processes should the Centre fail to address its demand.

According to people aware of the details, voters in Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator did not turn up at the 738 polling stations set up in these areas to cast their ballot. Twenty MLAs and incumbent Rajya Sabha member Phangnon Konyak, who is also from the eastern district of Mon, were not allowed to cast their votes.

“While no violence was reported, it is learnt that tribal volunteers kept vigil outside the residences of the legislators to deter them from going out to cast their vote,” one of the persons cited above said, seeking anonymity.

ENPO president R Tsapikiu Sangtam said the boycott was a “voluntary initiative” by the people. “There is no question of coercion…” Chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the actions of civil society organisations are of their “own mind” but the government is determined to ensure peaceful polling.