Zero voter turnout in 6 Nagaland districts over separate state demand

 The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization has responded to the Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland's show cause notice

Digital Desk: Nearly no votes had been cast in any of Nagaland's six districts by Friday afternoon. This was due to the declaration of a "public emergency" and the request by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation, which is advocating for a separate administration with greater financial autonomy.

Nagaland’s Chief Election Officer has issued a notice to the ENPO for disrupting the electoral process. In a statement, as quoted by NDTV, he said the group had attempted "to use undue influence... by interfering with the free exercise of those residing in Eastern Nagaland areas to vote in the general election.” The ENPO, the officer said, is therefore "directed to show cause... as to why action under subsection of Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code should not be initiated.”

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has responded to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland's show cause notice, emphasising their commitment to maintaining law and order in the Eastern Nagaland region. The ENPO clarified that their public notice, which called for a shutdown in the region, aimed to prevent potential disturbances and gatherings of anti-social elements, given the current public emergency.

In a letter to the Election Commission of India, the ENPO communicated the Eastern Nagaland people's intention to abstain from the Lok Sabha elections 2024 due to prevailing circumstances and sentiments. The organisation clarified that the shutdown was a voluntary initiative by the people, not an act of coercion or enforcement by the ENPO or any other authority.

The ENPO assured the CEO of Nagaland of their cooperation in addressing any misinterpretations or misunderstandings regarding their actions. They emphasised their commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of law and order in the Eastern Nagaland region and expressed their openness to dialogue and collaboration.