CGBU requests NMA to withdraw SLP from SC

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 22 (MExN): The Chakhroma GBs Union (CGBU) on Saturday accused the Naga womenfolk under the aegis of the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) of trying to “destroy aged old customs by demanding reservation … and even going to the extent of knocking the doors of the Supreme Court of India.”   Terming it as imperative to set records straight, CGBU president Thepfukedo Kuotsu and general secretary Atso Gwizan in a press statement said the customs and traditions of the Nagas would be seriously compromised if the 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies is implemented, “which we, as the guardians and custodians of our customary laws cannot allow.”   It said the “act of our womenfolk seeking to crush out customary practices by seeking redress from the Supreme Court, by-passing our customary courts is seen as a direct challenge and insult to the Naga society at large and therefore may lead to serious ramification.”   To support this argument, the CGBU pointed out that even India has decided to leave the practices and usages of Nagas untouched while acknowledging its rich distinct customs and traditions and granted special protection by INSERT IGNOREing an extra provision in the Indian Constitution with the 371A.   “This being so, we are now baffled to see womenfolk under the aegis of the NMA trying to override this special provision and destroy our age old customs by demanding reservation…” the CGBU maintained. It argued that if the SC is to pass its judgment on the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Naga women (NMA) in favour of the petitioners, it has to be done by superseding the provisions of the Art. 371A of the Constitution as the matter directly concerns meddling with the customary practices of the Nagas.   “And there is no doubt that Indians will be more than happy, if we Nagas our self, in this way make this particular Article irrelevant and obsolete so as to be struck out of the Constitution as their jealousy towards the special protection granted to the Nagas is no secret,” the CGBU claimed.   Despite this, the CGBU held that, “some people, be it in the government or the NGOs, in their zeal to be as heroes and harbinger of changes are ready to surrender the hard-earned status and protection given to us. We should also remember that there are every chances of being called traitors and blackmailers by our upcoming generations instead of being remembered as heroes.”   The CGBU has therefore “advised and request our womenfolk” to withdraw the Special Leave Petition filed before the SC and let the matter be resolved as a domestic problem where “any concessions and considerations can be chalked out and implemented.”   It further went on to add that any ruling of the SC in favour of the womenfolk would not have any profitable effect because “no matter where you are placed by the judgment, the Nagas custom and traditions may not be in a position to recognize that in the true spirit.”