Eastern Nagaland Shuts Down Demanding Separate State

Eastern Nagaland observed a 12-hour bandh on Friday, demanding a separate state. The bandh, called by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO), saw markets shut, vehicles off the roads, and institutions and government offices closed in six districts.

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In a significant move, a 12-hour bandh was enforced in the six districts of eastern Nagaland on Friday, March 8, 2023, to press for the demand of a separate state. The bandh was called by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) along with its tribal bodies and frontal organisations, aiming to carve out a separate state comprising the six districts in the eastern part of the state.

Public Emergency Declared

On Tuesday, the organisations declared a public emergency, asserting their determination not to allow any political party to campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. This declaration added further intensity to the demand for a separate state.

Bandh Impact

The bandh had a significant impact on the affected districts. Vehicles remained off the roads, markets were shut, and institutions and government offices were closed in Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator districts. These districts are predominantly inhabited by the Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung tribes.

Peaceful Protest

During the bandh, which commenced at 6 am and continued till 6 pm, the districts wore a deserted look. ENPO vice president W Bendang Chang expressed satisfaction with the success of the bandh and its peaceful conduct. He further announced the decision to extend the bandh on Saturday, albeit with relaxed restrictions on vehicle movement and business establishments.

ENPO's Demands

The ENPO has been steadfast in its demand for a separate state since 2010. The organisation contends that the six districts have been neglected in various aspects for years, leading to their demand for a separate state to address their concerns and ensure their development.

The 12-hour bandh enforced in eastern Nagaland highlights the determination of the ENPO and the people of the region to pursue their demand for a separate state. The peaceful conduct of the bandh reflects their commitment to non-violent means of protest. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government and other stakeholders will respond to this demand and work towards finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of the people in eastern Nagaland.