Kohima, March 30 (MExN): The Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) has welcomed the decision of the newly installed government to repeal the “controversial” Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 in the just concluded 1st session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 30.
“It is strongly felt that this landmark decision will act as a precursor of restoring people’s trust in the government, despite the divergent views on several other issues of public importance confronting society today,” CPO president, Vezuhu Keyho and general secretary, Chepetso Koza stated in an update.
adding “It is the burning desire of the citizens of the state to live in peace without having to be forced to accept something which is utterly foreign and unacceptable to the people, such as certain parts of the NMA 2001, which posed a clear and present threat to the perpetuation of the Naga people as a whole.”
While the people genuinely respect the authority of an established Government, they also strongly believe that any popular government should in turn respect the sentiments and desires of its citizens whom they represent, it stated.
The government is therefore expected to reciprocate by protecting and safeguarding its people from fringe elements which will harm the congenial socio-cultural atmosphere and the legacy that was bequeathed to us by our forefathers, it added.
In light of the government's decision to repeal the NMA 2001, the CPO acknowledged the sincerity and commitment shown to the people by the state government, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and also KG Kenye, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs who initiated the move to repeal the Act.
“We are equally thankful to all the Honble MLAs who walked the talk inside the Assembly and actively took part in taking the right step in shaping the history of our people, and for which posterity will not forget,” according to CPO President, Vezuhu Keyho and General Secretary, Chepetso Koza.
“It is a win-win situation for both the Government and the Nagaland Apex Tribal Bodies as well as all other pressure groups who have been vocal and consistently campaigned against the lacunas and the flaws in the said infamous NMA 2001,” it stated. Meanwhile, the CPO appealed the government to have wider consultation and take people’s voice into consideration while framing the NMA. “The Chakhesang tribe will always stand with fellow Nagas against all forms of exploitations, unfair appropriation of the land and its resources that belong to us,” CPO added.
