DIMAPUR, APRIL 11 (MExN): The Lotha Hoho today stated that Lotha organizations have “not nominated any representative to the Naga Mothers Association (NMA).”
A press release from the Lotha Hoho Chairman Er Mhondamo Ovung and General Secretary S Abenthung Ngullie said that Lotha organizations had “disassociated from the NMA” following the imbroglio relating to the 2017 ULB elections.
“The NMA, if it still exists, has no mandate of the Lotha tribe. It may be clarified that the Lotha Hoho or the Lotha Eloe Hoho have no knowledge of any Lotha member involved in the activities of the NMA. Therefore if any Lotha member is involved in the NMA, the Lotha Hoho disowns such a member,” it stated.
The Lotha Hoho further stated that the NMA is expected to function for the welfare of mothers; but not as a hindrance to the common interests of the Nagas. “So why should the mothers interfere in the affairs of the Nagas, like going to the court of law or playing political roles?” it questioned.
“In spite of customary heritage the Lotha Hoho can consider inclusion of women members in any welfare group; if necessary; but not as opposition to community interest, as is seemingly being done by the un-mandated NMA,” it stated. It further accused the NMA of “challenging the authority of the State Government and that of the Naga tribal organizations.”
Meanwhile, the Lotha Hoho urged the Nagaland Government and Naga elected leaders to streamline the application of Article 371 A in the activities and affairs of the State Government and the common Naga public.
“So far the Naga leaders and hence state govt have not given due consideration for the applicability of the constitutional provisions under Article 371 A. It so far appears that our leaders do not want to confer the rights to the civil organizations; perhaps because by doing so; our leaders may not be free to decide whatever is convenient for them and in many cases for vested interests,” the Lotha Hoho observed.
It pointed out that the Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act 1978; amended from time to time, is “incomplete,” in that there is no well defined role of the Tribal Councils/organizations. “The said Act has just half a page description of the Tribal organs and no defined guideline or role(s) to be played by the Tribal Councils,” it added.
The Lotha Hoho wondered whether the elected leaders are apprehensive of the rights of the civil organs and hence do not want to confer the rights, as provisioned under Article 371 A and Local Self Government under the 16 Point Agreement.
“If we keep the provisions of Article 371 A in the cold storage, arguing among ourselves, as to the applicability or otherwise of its provisions; a day may come when the special provisions of Article 371 A, may be revoked,” it cautioned.
“Let our leaders know that they are themselves Nagas and today they may be on the chair of authority; but they and their offspring are also like any one of us; who are today voicing for common right and common good,” it stated.
It further said that Article 371 A does not explicitly say anything on Women Reservation; but provides that “no act of parliament shall apply in respect of (i) religious or Social practices of the Nagas and (ii) Naga Customary laws and Procedures.”
The Lotha Hoho argued that Women Reservation infringes on the provisions of Article 371A (1) (a) (i) and (ii); “as per our Naga heritage.” “However with changing times, the role of women can be considered for appropriate and optimum participation; but definitely not to the extent of challenging the state; and thereby hindering the initiatives for common good,” it stated.
