Jalukie, Jan 3 (MExN): With the assembly elections a year away now, the proposed enhancement of assembly seats for some districts in the state has become a burning topic for the citizens of Jalukie. In an expected run-up to the eleventh state elections, various parties and organizations in Jalukie valley are anticipating a seeming exercise on delimitation, with the hottest point being more seats for Peren district.
Zeliangrong Baudi President, Dennis Elung, today said that Peren district, being one of the ‘major’ districts in the state of Nagaland, deserves more assembly seats. Opining that the existing two seats are not proportionate to the larger population of the district, Dennis suggests that the Election Commission effect the proposed re-adjustment of assembly constituencies in Nagaland by the next general elections.
Dennis also disclosed that representatives of some districts met with the Election Commission in New Delhi last year and submitted a memorandum, appraising the latter of the necessity of enhancing assembly seats in some districts of the state. In reply, the EC reportedly agreed in principle and assured the representatives that it will implemented after the forthcoming general elections, he added.
“For 32 years the Zeliangrong people of Peren district has been deprived of the Delimitation Commission fruitful implementation” Elung lamented adding that “the region fulfills every criterion for delimitation of constituencies, and we are in support of the commission.”
People are keeping their political fingers crossed whether or not the commission will exercise the assurance in the matter. The issue of creating a separate constituency for Jalukie valley has become the talk of the day. General views are that the population of the valley is high enough to merit one more assembly seat. According to 2001 census, the population in the valley alone crossed 18,000. With an increase of 3% every election, the population is expected to surpass the required number by the next general elections.
Apart from the Zeliangrong Baudi, other organizations which are exerting pressure for implementation of the proposed readjustment includes Jalukie Pumling Youth Organization, Jalukie Student’s Union, Jalukie Mipui (women) Organization and Jalukie Valley Youth Organization.
On related matters but away from the delimitation issue, Jalukie Students’ Union also appeals to the general public to elect efficient leaders, who can work truthfully for the welfare of the people in the forthcoming state assembly elections.
Cautioning politicians and political parties of serious repercussion if they attempt to woo voters with false promises and ‘political gimmicks’, the JSU urged the people not to succumbed to any ‘unhealthy political game’, but to look for honest and efficient candidates who can uplift the welfare of the people.
