DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 9 (MExN): Nagaland State Home Minister, Y Patton today issued a statement refuting allegations that the Nagaland State Government and the Chief Minister had “betrayed” the NBCC and the JCC and had unilaterally abrogated January 30 agreement, signed in the presence of the NBCC.
The Home Minister stated that decision to postpone the ULB polls would depend on the final call of the State Cabinet and more importantly on the State Election Commission. “Furthermore, we repeatedly clarified to all that it was a Constitutional requirement to hold elections to the ULBs with 33% reservation of seats for women. And thus, the JCC also agreed to the holding of elections with reservation for women, as contained in the Statement above,” he said.
The Home Minister however conceded that in hindsight, “the lapse on the part of all the participants was that it was not discussed as to whether the postponement shall cover the entire State or only those towns/ municipalities where the people were protesting against the ULB elections.”
The JCC, he informed went away with the understanding that postponement would be state-wide, “and we came back to the Capital with the understanding that postponement would be only for the areas where people were protesting.” This lapse, Patton rued, “happened partly due to the short time available that day and the urgency of the need to arrive at some sort of understanding to avoid physical conflict.” He further expressed regret that this lapse occurred.
He meanwhile appealed to all organisations of Nagaland to come forward for dialogue so that opinions and views can be shared and come to an understanding whereby, the present face-off can be resolved at the earliest. “At the same time, I also urge non-stakeholders not to mislead or misinform, foment and worsen the misunderstanding or threaten anyone from coming forward for positive dialogue,” he added.
The Home Minister further urged all “not to misquote the NBCC as they have never said that they were betrayed by our CM and the Government as alleged by some quarters.”
