Nagaland Chief Minister addresses consultative meeting of ‘all stakeholders’ organised by the Nagaland State Government at State Banquet Hall, Kohima on March 9. (Photo Courtesy: @MmhonlumoKikon/Twitter)
Appeals to all sections to make renewed efforts towards ‘One Solution and One Agreement’
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 9
In a significant development, a consultative meeting of ‘all stakeholders’ organised by the Nagaland State Government at State Banquet Hall, Kohima on March 9 has “unanimously” passed a resolution stating that “the elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) should be conducted as per the 74th Amendment Act of the Constitution of India.”
On the invitation of the State Government of Nagaland, mass-based civil societies including church organisations, tribal hohos, political parties and NGOs attended the meeting.
As per the ‘Resolutions adopted at the Consultative Meeting’ in the possession of The Morung Express, the House also unanimously passed another resolution on Nagaland political issue, which among others, appealed all sections of the people for working towards “One Solution and One Agreement.”
“The Naga people are yearning for an early political solution. The negotiating parties should earnestly heed to this call and arrive at a political solution that is honorable, inclusive, transparent and acceptable to the people,” the resolution stated.
“The House further appeals to all sections to make renewed efforts towards unity and understanding in order to work towards One Solution and One Agreement,” stated the first resolution adopted at the meeting.
The document was appended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Chairperson of United Democratic Alliance TR Zeliang as well as over 200 individuals representing the Government and stakeholders present at the meeting.
While details regarding the issues discussed at the meeting are awaited, the Wednesday’s resolution on ULBs is significant as currently the process is stalled in Nagaland due to opposition from various quarters.
Among others, the 74th Amendment Act, 1992 of the Constitution of India provides for a common framework for the structure and mandate of urban local bodies as well as their elections.
As a mandatory provision, the Act stated “In respect of women, the seats shall be reserved to the extent of not less than one-third of the total number of seats. This includes seats reserved for women belonging to SC/ST. These reservations will apply for direct elections only.”
