Rio says large-scale delimitation has been avoided
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 22
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio breaking his silence on the confusion prevailing in the State with regard to the delimitation exercise today came out with a lengthy statement issued on the floor of the house informing the people of Nagaland that the Delimitation Commission had finally agreed not to undertake large-scale delimitation transferring seats from one district to another. While terming this as a major victory for the present government, Rio nevertheless also made a mention of “a limited re-adjustment to satisfy the basic parameters of law”, describing this as “unavoidable.”
The present “alternative proposals” that are being unanimously worked out in consultation with political parties, tribal hohos and civil societies, are marginal re-adjustment confined within each district,” the Chief Minister informed.
In this regard, Rio disclosed that in Kohima district, all parties concerned have come to unanimous agreement for the limited re-adjustment of seats, which has been presented to the Delimitation Commission. The Chief Minister believed that all other districts will also follow such example.
“While I appeal to all sections of the people to understand this stark reality, public leaders must also restrain themselves in public interest from accusing each other,” Rio said adding that as the re-adjustment in accordance with the law is only marginal, “we are bound to overcome our differences of opinion and the obstacles to our unity.” Further, Rio hoped that this will put a stop to all controversies surrounding the delimitation issue.
Rio also informed that on March 21, 2007, the State Election Commission convened a meeting of the Deputy Commissioners. The DCs have been directed to consult political parties and the tribal hohos and bring up “alternative proposals” for marginal re-adjustment of constituencies within each district by 27 March 2007 which will be further discussed with the Associated Members on April 2, 2007, the statement said.
Making the stand of the government clear, the Chief Minister said it had resolved that all the districts, in consultation with political parties and tribal Hohos submit fresh proposals with minor readjustments through the respective DC’s. “The proposals should be unanimous decisions, and in case of any dispute, status quo should be maintained”, Rio stated on his government’s position over the latest exercise of partial delimitation.
Rio informed that this exercise should be completed and submitted to the associate members of the Delimitation Commission within March 2007, as the State Commission in its turn require to submit the proposals to the Delimitation Commission before April 15, 2007, the deadline set by the Delimitation Commission.
The Chief Minister also made a mention of the resolution for exempting Nagaland from the Delimitation Act, 2002, which was unanimously passed by the legislative assembly on 18th December 2003.
The resolution urged that no delimitation shall be undertaken in the state until the number of seats in the assembly was increased from 60 to 80 in terms of its earlier resolution dated the 8th March, 1999 and until the ongoing peace process was resolved.
In this whole exercise, Rio said, the state government has performed its part successfully in stalling large- scale delimitation with the active support of the Opposition and the ruling parties, tribal hohos and civil societies.
Making a lengthy statement on proposals for delimitation in Nagaland, Rio asserted that the DAN government was committed to the Naga people and under any circumstance “will fight and protect the rights and the wishes of our people.” Giving detailed information on what transpired between the State government and the Delimitation Commission, Rio said that the DAN government had taken all necessary steps to exclude Nagaland from the Delimitation Act, 2002.
Rio said that its sincere efforts combined with the unconditional support of all political parties and the members of the august House including the Opposition, the tribal hohos and the district administration, have borne fruits, though, in a limited manner.
“In view of the statutory position relating to delimitation, and in appreciation of the best efforts made by the government, political parties, the tribal hohos and the civil societies, I appeal to all concerned to stop agitations and instead direct your resources towards resolving the issue amicably and in this, I seek the co-operation of all sections of this House and all sections of the people,” Rio concluded.
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