Dimapur, March 5 (MExN): Another representation letter to the Chairman of the Delimitation Commission of India by five civil society demanded implementation of the Delimitation Act in Nagaland and gave a veiled warning that they would file litigation on the failure to implement delimitation by the commission.
The representation letter submitted jointly by the presidents of the Phom People’s Council, Zeliangrong Baudi, United Sangtam Likhum Bhumji, Dimapur Naga Council and the Chairman of the Lotha Hoho, demanding implementation of delimitation, stated that if status quo is allowed as demanded by the state government with regards to delimitation, the release stated that it would be “a mockery on the part of the Parliamentary Act, which ultimately attract litigation as it amounts to suppression of the constitutional obligation on the part of the Delimitation Commission”.
One sided membership:
The release pointed out that the associate members to the Delimitation Commission from Nagaland, namely W Wangyuh Konyak, Lok Sabha and Nyeiwang Konyak, MLA from Mon District, Thenucho Chakhesang Minister from Phek, H Chuba Chang MLA from Tuensang, H Khekiho Sema, MLA from Zunheboto, Tiameren Ao MLA and TN Manen, Nagaland Commissioner both from Mokokchung districts are from the districts and tribes which are ‘totally against the delimitation’.
The release pointed out there is not a single associate member which stands to gain Assembly seats from the Delimitation Act and termed the composition of the associate members from Nagaland as ‘one sided’ and termed it as unjust.
The release alleged that the state government deliberately chose the above members so that their decision can be at the expense of the unrepresented weaker tribes and districts of Nagaland
The release, in this regard, urged the Delimitation Commission to remain absolutely neutral to the issue before looking into the whole gamut threadbare to avoid misguided judgement and decisions and thereof.
No tribal problem because of delimitation:
The representation stated that delimitation of assembly constituencies does not mean transfer of tribal areas from one district to another but entitlement of assembly seats to deserving districts resultant from the formula of division of the total population of a district by the prescribed average population of 33, 167 per assembly seat worked out by the commission for the state for delimiting equitable distribution of seats to districts.
This statement comes as a direct challenge to the contention of the state government for exemption from the Act and allowing status quo citing unique tribal set up in the state.
Putting forth the above main points, the release further requested the commission to fully implement the Delimitation Act 2002 as amended in 2003 based on the 2001 census for the sanctity of the parliament and in the interest of justice for equitable representation in the fullness of Indian democratic tradition.
