People boycott Lok Sabha election in six Nagaland districts
The ENPO had called for a boycott of last year's Assembly elections too but withdrew it after an assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Virtually no voting took place on Friday in six districts of Nagaland following a call to boycott elections by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), triggering a stern response from the Election Commission.
The ENPO, which seeks a separate administration with more financial autonomy in the region, declared a “public emergency” and told people to keep away from the election to send a member to the Lok Sabha.
EC issues notice
In response, the region's Chief Election Officer issued a notice to the ENPO -- an apex body of seven Naga tribes of the region -- accusing it of disrupting the electoral process.
The Naga body, the poll panel said, had tried "to use undue influence... by interfering with the free exercise of those residing in Eastern Nagaland areas to vote in the general election".
IPC offence
The officer asked the ENPO "to show cause... as to why action under Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code should not be initiated".
The section says "whoever voluntarily interferes, or attempts to interfere, with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at the election".
ENPO explains
In its response, the ENPO said its main goal 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".
It also said the boycott decision was declared after consultations with stakeholders.
This was a "voluntary initiative" by the people, the ENPO said, arguing that action under Section 171C "is not applicable... as no offence related to undue influence at any election is committed..."
Boycott call
On March 30, the ENPO met with 20 MLAs and other organisations and reiterated its decision to abstain from the Lok Sabha election.
The Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union -- consisting of the 20 MLAs -- had urged the ENPO to reconsider its decision.
The ENPO then conveyed the decision to the Election Commission.
Public emergency
A “public emergency” was declared on March 8. During this time, the ENPO and its frontal organisations did not permit election campaign.
The ENPO had also called for a boycott of last year's Assembly elections but withdrew its call after Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured it.
Nagaland has one Lok Sabha seat, held by Tokheno Yepthomi of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), a BJP ally.
