KOHIMA: The unequal levels of development between the eastern and western sides of the small Northeastern state have been a major cause of differences in the state. With most of the major cities and communication routes passing through the western side, the people of the region often find themselves left out. And this lead to the demands of a separate state named Frontier Nagaland. The proposed region comprises the districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Tuensang, Shamator, and Noklak. They cover a total of 8154 Sq.km. which is almost half of the state of Nagaland and home to six major Naga tribes.
Just after the celebration of independence day last year, the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation passed a resolution of not participating in any election procedure, center or state, till their demands of separate statehood is realized. With the state legislative elections just round the corner, the organization has asked twenty MLAs to resign from the existing legislature. These legislators represent the region in the state assembly. This step will be undertaken along with the resignation of all political workers from the region, both in the state and in the center.
Seven tribal bodies have supported this decision. They are Chang Khulei Setshang, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Konyak Union, Phom People's Council, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Tikhir Tribal Council, and Yimkhiung Tribal Council.
Another resolution taken by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation is their non-participation in the annual Hornbill Festival from this year onwards. The reason for the same has been cited as the difficulties faced by the participants coming from the eastern part of the state during the days of the event. They have also requested the state authorities to create and promote smaller events in the lines of the Hornbill Festival for the tribes of the region.
Celebrated in the first ten days of December month in the Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, the Hornbill Festival aims to showcase the traditions, culture, lifestyle, and food of all Naga tribes in a single event.
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