NMA memo to Pranab on 33% women quota, peace process, repeal of AFSPA
DIMAPUR, MAY 17 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has brought to the notice of the President of India the need to implement 33% women reservation as per constitutional provisions, expedite the peace process and repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The NMA stated these points in a memorandum presented to Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, who visited Nagaland recently and expressed the hope that the President’s timely intervention will ensure justice to the Naga women as they strive to move forward.
On 33% Women Reservation, the NMA has stated that while there have been some advances in the field of women’s empowerment, the “reality of the plight of Naga women in terms of access to decision making bodies and political participation etc., still continues to be very vague”. The NMA pointed out that Naga women have been fighting for their Constitutional Rights through the implementation of the 33% Reservation for Women in all Town and Municipal Councils in Nagaland, in accordance with the Nagaland Municipal Act Amendment 2006.
“We believe that Your interference will surely ensure that the State will respect the Constitutional Rights of Equality for women as citizens and mandatory provisions enshrined in the Convention of Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)...
...and other mechanisms recognized for the Empowerment of Women so that Naga Women can also take parts in all levels of decision making bodies and thereby contribute to the Society and the Nation”, stated the memorandum signed by NMA President Abei-Ü Meru, Vice President Sarah Nuh, Secretary Lochumbeni Humtsoe and Joint Secretary Malsawmthangi Leyri. The NMA also stated that it will be futile to talk about women empowerment when their legitimate rights are ignored and suppressed.
On the peace process, the NMA while acknowledging and appreciating the continuity/initiatives taken by the Government of India to address the vexed Indo-Naga political negotiation and Peace Process, has requested President to implore upon the GOI to “courageously address the issue with sincerity and determination to avert further return of conflict and violence, thereby creating an environment of intolerance and insecurity and also retards the positive growth and development of the region”. NMA stated that with its slogan, “Shed No More Blood” it stood as equal partners to support and strengthen the Peace Process.
The NMA has also demanded repeal of Armed Forces (Special) Power Act pointing out that this Act has brought “only human sufferings ever since it was legislated”. The NMA also shed light on the recent incident of high handedness of the security forces at Kiphire on April 28 and termed this as “highly objectionable”. The President was told that on many occasions innocent public are harassed in the name of frisking and un-necessary interrogations’ which made the Naga people, especially women and children very insecure.
