Dimapur, May 6 (MExN): The present proposal to bring about delimitation of assembly constituencies without increasing the number of assembly seats is a meaningless exercise, according to the Founder and Advisor of the GB/Village Federation of Nagaland, Dimapur.
A press release issued by TL Angami, Founder and Advisor of the GB/Village Federation of Nagaland, Dimapur, stated that ‘past history have clearly shown that Mokokchung constituency only 900 population at the time of first delimitation in Nagaland inspite of which it was granted a separate constituency. No other attempt was ever made to amalgamate it with other tribal area, thus the first elected member from Mokokchung Town A/Constituency won with a mere 300 votes, Angami stated and added that ‘rightly or wrongly it was correct not to club it with other tribe when there are enough seats to share.
Standing on that point of view, Angami contended that the same yardstick should be applied even today instead of clubbing a portion of one tribal area with another.
“Why should we put two tribes in a house in the name of delimitation, and without increasing the Assembly Constituency in Nagaland, the present practice of delimitation in Nagaland is meaningless,” argued TL Angami.
He stated that the Indian government is aware that the ‘majority of Nagas are happy to be in the Government of Nagaland under the protection of Article 371-A of the Indian constitution and for which the government of India or the Election Commission of India may like to increase at least 20-25 Assembly Constituencies in Nagaland to meet the demands of the Nagas instead of creating any further problems.’
TL Angami also stated that delimitation of constituencies will disturb the tribal balance of the Naga society and bring about unbearable burden within the Naga tribal society. Such steps under any law, be it Indian or other ‘more civilized nation’ will only bring about chaos in the well-knitted social fabric of the unity in diversity in the tapestry of Naga social system, he contended.
Angami also pointed out that the Naga tribes have their own jurisdiction and normally do not cross their boundary to seek remedies from others except in time of emergencies, thus, joining a portion of one tribe with another will render the minor partner without nay voice, he stated and summarized that under such circumstances, it would be more advantageous to remain within one’s own tribe whatever be the compulsion.
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