The issue of reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies has created a crisis of highly-charged emotions. The wider perspective can be missed. Our society emerging from our traditional past is responding to an issue it has never faced before. We should not be surprised our responses have produced differences and dangerous tension. The divergent stands taken by the State Government, women spearheading the legal battle to uphold the legitimacy of the democratic rights of women, and the Apex tribe organizations, almost caused a confrontation on January 7 and 9. But for the wise restraint and far-sighted responsibility shown by the conflicting parties, the situation might well have resulted in violence and unintended consequences, repeating past tragedies of public protest ending in loss of lives. It would have been too costly a setback for our society struggling to go forward.
As concerned individuals brought together to support and think with the public leaders of our tribe for our common welfare we want to thank all the parties involved in the crisis for preventing the worst from happening. We join all others across the State who believe space must be created at all cost at this critical juncture to enable our society to work out solutions to our pressing problems so that our difficulties will make us stronger rather than weaker. This must not be beyond the combined wisdom, genius and will of the Nagas.
Women are the better half of our society. No one can dispute this. The different positions taken on the issue of reservation for women, given its history, are understood and the right to take them respected. Our society has to evolve the solution that will serve us best as we progress along. It will happen if the sound growth of our society is more important to us than lesser agendas. We acknowledge as fact that the vital role women can and must play for the proper growth of the Naga nation has not really impinged on the consciousness of the other half of our society with sufficient sense of need or understanding. In the search for a solution on reservation for women that the future will demand from us with increasing urgency, this acknowledgement of failure must be taken on board. If the future imperatives and realities will start to guide us more than the known ways and attitudes of the past we will succeed together better.
The most powerful idea is what is right and best for all. It requires all to change, not just a few leaders.
Vipralhou Kesiezie – Convener Zeneituo Yano – Secretary Dr Dietho-o Yhoshü Dr Seyiekietuo Ziephrü Ketholeho Kulnu Krurovi Peseyie Rovigwelhu Chüsi Niketu Iralu Abi Yalie
