Nagaland governor L. Ganesan on Friday appealed to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to “actively participate” in the urban local body polls scheduled for June 26, marking the first such polls since 2004.

In his appeal, the governor also reassured the organisation, which announced its decision to abstain from the polls on May 15, that their concerns over the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) were being “diligently addressed” by the Centre.

The ENPO, representing eight tribes from the six districts under Eastern Nagaland, had last year resolved to abstain from any central or state elections till their demand for the FNT was met.

In a statement on Friday, Ganesan said, “I earnestly appeal to the ENPO and the citizens of Eastern Nagaland to actively participate in the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections... While the concerns raised by the ENPO are acknowledged with utmost respect, it is imperative to address the essence of democratic participation.”

Upon being contacted for reaction, ENPO president RT Sangtam said they have not received any formal appeal from the governor but their stand to abstain will not change. “ We will stick to our stand,” he said.

The ENPO has said the home ministry had assured in December to formalise the FNT before the model code of conduct for the recently general elections kicked in.

Since nothing happened till March 16, the day on which Lok Sabha poll schedule was declared, the ENPO went ahead with its decision to skip the April 19 elections to the lone seat from Nagaland.

The Governor’s appeal comes three days after the declaration of the Lok Sabha elections which was won by the Opposition Congress and six days after the State Election Commission showcaused the ENPO president over their decision to abstain from the polls.