Dimapur, July 8 (MExN): The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on Wednesday issued a statement refuting allegations against NCD office bearers of “selfishly holding” on to office. The statement issued by NCD General Secretary Thsapongkyu Sangtam and Vice President (Council Bench) Eliho Angami sought to “clear the air” on the recent impasse between the NCD and its constituent tribal bodies.
The NCD highlighted the series of events that led to its inability to hold the annual general meeting (AGM) as per schedule. It said that the NCD had called a consultative meeting with tribal presidents on March 10 and unanimously taken a decision to complete all official formalities including induction of new office bearers on or before March 31.
Accordingly, it said the AGM was scheduled for March 25 and the handing-taking over ceremony was also scheduled for March 31. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown, the NCD office premises located at Church road was sealed for 28 days and the scheduled AGM was postponed, it said.
Subsequently, with the extension of lockdown period, the NCD’s executive team is said to have approached the District Administration on May 18, seeking permission to hold the AGM. “However, the permission was denied citing lockdown norms and SOP."
Further, it said that the AGM was held on July 4, wherein it was resolved that induction of NCD office bearers for the 2020-2024 tenure will be set up, as mandated by the NCD constitution. The meeting also resolved to set up a commission for nominating office bearers for the next tenure. The House also resolved to appoint a 5-member search/selection commission among senior councilors representing one member each from 4 Zones, with the NCD President as ‘ex-officio.’ Accordingly, the installation and taking over by the new team was scheduled to take place on July 11, it stated. As such, the NCD contended that the allegations against the incumbent office bearers are “unprecedented and uncalled for.
