Dimapur, January 2 (MExN): A storm seems to be gathering around the elections to Nagaland State’s Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which is slated to be held in February this year. Several tribe based organizations have come together to oppose the Nagaland State Government’s move to go ahead with the elections that will see 33% reservation of seats for women.
APO: Angami Public Organization (APO) has resolved not to allow the conduct of election to municipal and town councils in the Angami territories (Dimapur and Kohima districts) till “a space is provided for the amendment and necessary and clear-cut safeguard is provided to Article 371 (A).”
The organization in its meeting on December 30, 2016 resolved to “uphold the coexistence of all gender with mutual respect and love without discrimination,” according to a press release from Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi, President and KT Vilie, Vice President of APO. Therefore, it has appealed to the Government of Nagaland to “provide a space for the people of Nagaland to come to an understanding in sharing with their views and suggestions.”
Meanwhile, the APO appealed to all political parties, intending candidates and individuals to refrain from filing or nominating any candidate for the aforementioned elections. “Any action in violation of this resolution shall be viewed as a direct challenge to the APO,” it cautioned. The organization also appealed to the representatives of the people to listen to the voice of the people.
CNTC
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has “firmly resolved to oppose” the ULB elections within the CNTC jurisdictions of Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto and Dimapur “till appropriate amendments are made to Municipal Act which infringes upon the Article 371-A of the Constitution,” stated a press release from CNTC media cell today.
This decision, it stated, was “collectively taken” at a meeting of three apex bodies of Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho and the Sumi Hoho held at the Tourist Lodge Dimapur. Dimapur based units like Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Lotha Hoho Dimapur and Western Sumi Hoho were also present at the meeting. “The opening remark of the Article (371-A) 'Notwithstanding' clearly defines that the rights and interests of the Nagas cannot be compromised whatsoever in any manner,” the CNTC maintained.
AYO
The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) has decided to boycott the upcoming elections to ULBs within the Angami jurisdiction till further instruction is received from the Angami Public Organisation (APO).
In this direction, it has informed all its range units to mobilise volunteers and “be prepared for any eventuality,” stated a press release from AYO President, Neinguvotuo Krose, and Vice President, Peter Rutsa. It further stated that, “In case of any untoward incident, the AYO will hold the Government responsible.”
In support of the APO boycott call against holding of elections to ULBs with 33% reservation in its present form, the AYO appealed to all political parties and intending candidates to refrain from filing of nomination to the municipal and town council elections, till an amicable understanding is reached between the State Government and the Angami Public Organisation, various Tribal Hohos and other Naga civil societies.
The AYO has impressed upon all its members not to file their nomination. It has additionally requested all “likeminded” youth organisations to “join hands in opposing the elections to Urban Local Bodies in its present form which infringes on our customary law and also tries to squash Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.”
Ao Senden
The Ao Senden Mokokchung and the All Ward Union of Mokokchung have reaffirmed their decision to oppose the Nagaland Municipal and Town Council Act during a meeting held on December 29, and January 2, in Mokokchung.
A note signed by Acting President Wb. C Angang Jamir and Acting Secretary L Tally Lkr, informed that the resolution the decision to ban the election was taken with a view to protect the identity of not only the Ao community but of all Naga people. The Senden, thus, forbade any Ao citizen from contesting the ULB election from and outside the district.
It also warned that whoever goes against the resolution will be answerable, and will be punished, as per the Ao customary law.
The Ao Senden Mokokchung consequently empowered leaders from different wards and towns in Mokokchung district to prohibit filing of nomination for the upcoming ULB election.
CPO: The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) in its meeting with concerned citizens of municipal and town councils under its region have resolved to stand in support of the Angami Public Organization’s decision in regard to the ULBs election. “The Chakhroma people also feel that, the democratically elected government should listen to the voices of the people,” stated a release from CPO President, Vichütuolie Mere. CPO has directed its members to strictly adhere to the directives given by the apex body of the Angamis on this issue.
CVC: The Chumoukedima Village Council (CVC) has extended its total support to Naga Hoho, ENPO, Ao Senden and APO, which have resolved to boycott upcoming municipal and town council election with women reservation. While welcoming election in municipal and town council, it opposed reservation “because it does not suit the Naga society, in fact it directly challenges the Nagas customs and traditions.” It has notified to all the people living in Chumoukedima jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the decision of CVC and fully support Naga Hoho, ENPO, Ao Senden and APO.
KVC: The Kohima Village Council (KVC) in its general meeting on December 30 also re-affirmed its previous stand on the 33% reservation for women in the ULBs election and unanimously resolved to boycott the election and entrusted its youth (Kohima Village Youth Organisation) to take care of it in case any unwanted situation arises. This was informed in a press release issued by Zeneizo Rutsa, Secretary, Kohima Village Council.
MTMK: The Medziphema Town Mechü Krotho (MTMK) has also resolved to stand by its earlier resolution of opposing the municipal and town councils election with 33% reservation for women. A press release from Khrielie Iralu, Secretary, MTMK stated that the Krotho stands firmly with its parent body, Medziphema Village Councils’ decisions released to the press on December 28, 2016.
