The influential Naga body Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) on Saturday withdrew its call to boycott the February 27 Assembly polls.
The boycott call was withdrawn after the ENPO received an assurance from the Central government regarding its demand for a separate 'Frontier Nagaland' state.
ENPO secretary W. Manwang Konyak told IANS that the organisation has withdrawn the boycott call after getting an assurance from the Central government that its separate 'Frontier Nagaland' state demand would be considered.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his happiness over the ENPO's decision to withdraw the boycott call.
He tweeted: "I am grateful for their positive gesture reaffirming ENPO's commitment to democratic processes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made untiring efforts to assure the people of northeast that the government is with them and the ENPO's move is an approval of these endeavours."
"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that in an expression of trust in the Modi government, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) in Nagaland has withdrawn its call to boycott the assembly elections.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 & development unhindered," Shah said in a separate tweet.
In January, the Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU), comprising Ministers, MLAs and Advisors to various departments, announced that it has decided to participate in the elections.
Immediately, after the announcement of the schedule of assembly polls in three northeastern states by the Election Commission, the influential Konyak Union also had rejected the state government's appeal, and reiterated to boycott the February 27 elections until the Central government grants the demand for a separate 'Frontier Nagaland' state.
Claiming that the six districts -- Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator -- have been neglected for years, the ENPO has been demanding a separate state since 2010.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government, led by the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and including the BJP, had on a number of occasions asked the ENPO to reconsider their demand for a separate state and not to boycott the Assembly elections.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.