Kohima, February 28 (MExN): The Women Organization of the NDPP is appalled by the statement of the Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang, on his speech during the 3rd sitting of the 13th House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on February 25 wherein he stated, “As the saying goes, no man can serve two masters. Of course, some men can please two girls but no man can serve two masters.”
A communique issued by NDPP Central Women Organization today, said that “such callous and insensitive language” was not only unbecoming of a person of the stature of a Leader of Opposition who is also a former Chief Minister, but is “a direct insult and a degradation of all women.”
Furthermore, the women organization expressed astonishment that someone who is “a father to a daughter and a husband could make such derogatory statements against women in the people’s house, the highest decision-making body in the state.”
It questioned Zeliang of what kind of example he was trying to set for the younger generations, when the world today was echoing for “gender equality.”
“Or, is this the way that he actually perceives women?” it questioned.
The NDPP Women Organization asserted that this communique was “not to make a political statement, but to protect and defend the dignity and liberty of women in general and Naga women in particular.”
“We will not tolerate any person, be it an elected member or otherwise, to demean, belittle and insult women intentionally or otherwise.”
It reminded Zeliang, that women in Naga society have always played a proactive role, supporting the men folk in every way, “working shoulder to shoulder be it in the fields, offices, homes and even politics. Perhaps, holding high office has made him forget the sacrifices his mother, wife and daughter have made for him,” the communique further stated.
The women organization has thus, demanded that the Leader of Opposition “give a public apology to all women and at the same time retract his remark made on the floor of the NLA.”
Meanwhile, the NDPP Women Organization has given a clarion call to all right-thinking citizens, both men and women, to come forward and condemn “such derogatory, callous, insensitive, irresponsible and chauvinistic statements made against women.”
It affirmed to “stand firm on the party’s commitment towards gender equality and is prepared to defend any woman from discrimination and abuse.”
