Former MLAs call for unified view on ULB vis-à-vis Article 371 (A)

Dimapur, May 21 (EMN): A resolution from out of a workshop that examined municipal institutions in relation to Article 371 (A) has cautioned that “any divergent views” among the people of Nagaland shall have far-reaching repercussions “upon the future generations.” For said reason, the Nagaland government is recommended setting up a ‘consultative committee’ that will consult with stakeholders.

The resolution was one of three that was adopted during a workshop on urban local bodies in relation to Article 371 (A). The event was organised by the Ex-Parliamentarians’ Association of Nagaland, and conducted on May 20 at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima town.

Former member of legislative assembly Sulanthung Humtsoe issued to the media on Sunday a copy of a press release stating the resolutions.

The first of the three stated Nagaland to be the only state in India that was established through a political agreement known namely the sixteen-point agreement.

Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India, a special provision for the people of Nagaland is the foundation upon which the statehood is based, the resolution stated.

“The ex-parliamentarians (sic) solemnly resolved that the people of Nagaland should uphold and protect this special provision as guaranteed under Article 371 (A) in letter and spirit,” the press release stated.

The second read: “The ex-parliamentarians are of the view that the people of Nagaland should have a common view / interpretation of the rights as guaranteed under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India. Any divergent views amongst the people of Nagaland shall have far reaching consequences upon the future generations.”

“We therefore call upon the state government to constitute a consultative committee on ULB vis-à-vis Art.371 (A) which shall have consultations with all the stake holders starting from the village level and to organize workshops/seminars in all the districts and submit its final report to the state government.”