Naga Mothers’ Association objects to repeal of Nagaland Municipal Act 2001

Calls out silence of two women legislators

Dimapur: The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has asserted that “Naga women” object to the decision of the state government to repeal the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 as it was taken without any “civil dialogue or consultation with women.”

It said they had also taken cognisance of the fact that the two women legislators remained silent during deliberations on this issue in the Assembly session, as well as abstained from objecting or dissenting to the passing of the Repeal Bill.

It went on to state that they were in support of the Municipal Act 2001 and first amendment, providing 33% reservation in urban local bodies.

This resolution was passed at the end of an open state-level discussion on municipal election by women leaders on March 29. It was organised by NMA in collaboration with the department of English, Nagaland University at Ladies Hall, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus Meriema.

In her keynote address, Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü, Dept. of English and former director, Women Studies Centre, gave an account of the struggles of Naga women relating to the implementation of the Nagaland Municipal Act.

Two other speakers invited to the event were Zheviholi Swu and Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, an update from NMA stated on Thursday.

Speaking on the topic of feminism in the Naga context, Keditsu argued for the need to identify struggles peculiar to the condition of indigenous Naga women. She contested the idea that feminist consciousness or praxis is a modern invention or western ideology, citing various instances of feminist resistance and subversion in Naga traditional culture.

Recognising that it is easier to change oneself than another, she discussed the malady of internalised patriarchy and urged all women present to confront this intimate enemy. She stressed the need for peaceful, non-violent strategies to challenge inequalities inherent in patriarchy.

Zheviholi Swu spoke in her capacity as former legal advisor to the NMA and erstwhile Joint Action Committee. She unpacked the legalities of the Municipal Act 2001 as well as tracing the various legal actions and recourses taken by petitioners,government of Nagaland and the Court  till date.

Given that this Act is a constitutional legislation, Swu explained that its implementation was inevitable and that the latest bid by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to repeal this bill was being done when the matter was sub judice in the Supreme Court.  “Any person organisation aggrieved by the Court order can implead themselves into the case,” it said.

Speeches were also given by NMA founder and current advisor Sano Vamuzo; Prof. Lungsang, Director, Women Studies Centre, Nagaland University; Abeni TCK Lotha, Chairperson Indian Red Cross Society and Advisor NMA.

Meanwhile, President of NMA, Abeiu Meru, welcomed the women to the programme and the opportunity to deliberate on the municipal elections.

During the open discussion, party representatives from NDPP, BJP and NPF as well as representatives from Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Zeliangrong Mepui Organisation and Pochury Mothers’ Association   shared their views.

In her vote of thanks, Lochumbeni Humtsoe, General Secretary, NMA, thanked the department of English, Nagaland University for collaborating with the NMA for this event and the University students from for helping out as volunteers throughout the day-long programme.

It stated more than a hundred women from across various professions, tribal and other women organisations, academics, journalists, political party leaders, business women, and Naga women research scholars from the university attended the programme.