New Delhi: Nagaland’s Chief Election Officer has issued a notice to the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) alleging interference with the polls in the state after almost zero voting has been recorded in six districts here, NDTV reported.
The ENPO declared a 'public emergency' and urged people to boycott polls spearheading its demand for a separate territory with more financial autonomy.
The top poll official said in a statement that the ENPO 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 was quoted as saying, 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 section mentioned says that: "whoever voluntarily interferes, or attempts to interfere, with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at the election", according to the report.
Responding to it, the ENPO said the public notification was to "reduce the possibility of disturbances in the Eastern Nagaland region, which is under our jurisdiction, and the risk linked with gatherings of anti-social elements".
The organisation reportedly claimed that “the Eastern Nagaland region is presently under Public Emergency.’
The ENPO also argued that action under Section 171C was not ‘applicable... as no offence related to undue influence at any election is committed..."
The ENPO claimed the shutdown was a ‘voluntary initiative by the people’ adding there was no involvement of ENPO or any other authority in any coercion or enforcement.
It offered to cooperate with the Election Commission in the event of any ‘misunderstanding or misinterpretation.’
The ENPO reportedly held closed-door meeting with 20 MLAs on March 30 and reiterated the decision to abstain from the Lok Sabha polls and the MLAs reportedly asked ENPO to reconsider its decision.
During last year’s assembly polls, the ENPO made a call for abstention which it eventually withdrew after an assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.