Chumoukedima, Nagaland, April 19 (HBTV): Responding to a show-cause notice issued by the election authorities to the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) for abstaining from the Lok Sabha elections, the ENPO has claimed that its intention was aimed at “maintaining the law and order situation in eastern Nagaland regions, ensuring the safety and well being of its residents.”    

In an elaborate reply to the chief electoral officer of Nagaland, the ENPO claimed that the shutdown in the eastern districts was a “voluntary initiative” taken “by the people of the eastern Nagaland region.” The organization also said it committed no offence related to ‘undue influence at any election.’         

Asserting that the shutdown was a voluntary initiative “by the people,” the ENPO said there was no question of coercion or enforcement by the ENPO or any other authority.     

‘It is pertinent to mention that ENPO does not possess any mechanism to enforce its resolutions or orders. We operate solely on the basis of voluntary participation and consensus among the eastern Nagaland people,’ the reply stated.          

‘If there has been any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of our actions, we regret and assure you of our full cooperation. We are committed to providing any further clarification or information as may be required by your authority,’ the ENPO stated.

Interestingly, the ENPO added that it was “open to dialogue and collaboration to ensure the smooth functioning of law and order in the eastern Nagaland region.”