Dimapur, March 18 (MExN): The Angami Public Organisation (APO) has re-affirmed its resolution taken in 2016 not to allow the conduct of election to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in its areas till the Government of Nagaland provides a ‘clear-cut safeguard’ to Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India, it informed in a letter addressed to the state Chief Secretary on Saturday.
A unanimous resolution to this effect was adopted during an ‘extra-ordinary executive meeting’ on March 17 with its executive members, presidents of all frontal organisations, advisory board members and intellectuals to discuss the issue of Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 vis-à-vis ULB election announced by the state government, it said.
The 2016 resolution reads: “Till such a space is provided for the amendment and necessary and clear-cut safeguard is provided to Article 371 (A), the APO has resolved not to allow the conduct of election to municipal and town councils in the Angami territories (Chümoukedima, Dimapur & Kohima Districts).”
In this connection the APO appealed to all the political parties, intending candidates and individuals to refrain from filing or nominating any candidate for the ULB elections. “Any action in violation of this resolution shall be viewed as a direct challenge to the APO,” it cautioned.
It also appealed to the newly constituted government to seriously feel the pulse of the public and rectify all points in the Act that are against the interest of the Naga public. “The APO further urge upon the State Government to seriously review the issue of women reservation before the coming Municipal and Town Council election in the State,” the letter read.
