New Delhi: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation has withdrawn its call to boycott the election. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the move and said it is an expression of trust in the Modi government.
ENPO had earlier said they will abstain from the election till their demand for a separate Frontier State is granted.
An official statement by the group said: "Following the request of the MHA to review August 26, 2022, resolution of ENPO and its constituent Tribal Bodies and Frontal Organisations to abstain in any election process and the subsequent assurance given by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ENPO officials on February 2, 2023, the ENPO in due consultation with its constituent Tribal Bodies and Frontal Organisations hereby relaxed the August 26, 2022, resolution with immediate effect."
Shah tweeted: "It is heartening that in an expression of trust in the Modi government, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) in Nagaland has withdrawn its call to boycott the assembly elections. The decision will help in keeping the ongoing process of peace and development unhindered."
He added that he is grateful for the positive gesture shown by ENPO as it shows commitment to the democratic process. "I am grateful for their positive gesture reaffirming ENPO's commitment to democratic processes. PM Narendra Modi Ji has made untiring efforts to assure the people of Northeast India that the government is with them and the ENPO's move is an approval of these endeavours."
ENPO said it has taken serious note of the MHA's request made in a letter dated January 16, 2023, to review the August 26, 2022, resolution of ENPO, its constituent Tribal Bodies, and Frontal Organisations regarding non-participation in the elections to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls to the Nagaland State Assembly in the larger interest of democracy in the country.
The group also asked all citizens to cooperate with the government for the election and not create any law and order problems.
Nagaland will go to polls on February 27 and votes will be counted on March 2.