Municipal polls with women reservation: CM Zeliang

KOHIMA, AUGUST 24: Amidst strong opposition from some civil organizations, the Chief Minister TR Zeliang Wednesday reiterated that the State government will go ahead with its cabinet’s decision to conduct the municipal elections within this calendar year with 33% reservation for women.
Speaking at the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting of the Naga People’s Front, the chief minister pointed out that opposition from certain quarters against the women reservation bill have been the factor as to why the municipal council elections could not be conducted during the last ten years, which he said “is definitely not a healthy development, nor contributing to good governance.”
“If we are to argue, there is no end to it. But we have to accept the present situation, which is different from the past situation,” Zeliang said maintaining that “our customary rights are well protected through the village council act.” He added that the Municipal Act will not touch or interfere within the villages.While mentioning that our municipalities are being run by just one officer, designated as Chief Executive Officer, with the support of a few municipal employees, the CM lamented that the state of affairs concerning the municipal council elections and women reservation, have been the reason why the State have not been able to get the grants for urban local bodies recommended by the Finance Commission.
“The State is losing valuable funds every year which is much needed for improvement of our urban infrastructure and facilities,” he said. Zeliang also went on to say that the bid for Kohima smart city project has been hindered by the lack of elected municipal council.
Although a case filed by NMA on women reservation is pending at the Supreme Court, the CM informed that the State government had decided not to wait for the final outcome which may take a few more years.
“Our legal advisers are also of the opinion that we can only delay, but our chances of winning is really slim. Above all, the state government stands for women empowerment, and we believe that giving them this 33% reservation in municipalities will be one important step towards women empowerment,” he said and urged the party workers to support the said bill towards its smooth implementation through mass awareness campaign and mobilization of public opinion to its favour.
At the meeting, the CM also informed that a new initiative of the State government, that is online payment of tax, would soon be introduced in the State. It was also informed that the emergency Assembly session on August 26 will discuss on this issue.
Stating that the online payment of tax is to help the government collect revenue from the public what they ought to pay as citizens, Zeliang urged the Nagas “to pave way to the government to collect revenue.”
The CM mentioned about the tendency of the Naga public in hindering every of the government’s policies by sticking strictly on Article 371(A) of the Indian constitution. To this, he also made a sincere plea to the public not to misuse Article 371(A).
The CM also mentioned about the many developments during the last one year or so, beginning with the signing of the Framework Agreement by the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on 3rd August, last year. “I feel that we are closer to the solution of Naga political issue than anytime ever before,” he said while he urged the Nagas to remain positive and refrain from negative thinking and unnecessary gossips and speculations which will hinder any developmental activity.
The CM also informed that the Vision Document of DAN-III will be brought out very shortly, and that the draft will be placed before the cabinet on or before August 31.
To this, he mentioned that the NPF party is taking the Naga people forward to the right direction toward self sufficiency in food grains, power, drinking water, health care, better connectivity, quality education & solving employment problem.
On NPF party, Zeliang also stressed the need for adjustments with the new party members who have joined the party including the legislators from Congress, JDU and NCP along with their party workers.
Delivering the presidential address, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu while mentioning about the mess within the NPF party members last year, advised the party members of disciplinary line and further told them to uphold the party constitution and be well versed with the provisions of the constitution.
He particularly told the party leaders not to turn a deaf ear to the allegations against the NPF party whenever it comes to their notice.
“Yours is a collective responsibility and, therefore, the mistake committed by one leader will affect the image of the government as a whole,” Liezietsu said maintaining that “A welfare government is supposed to remain fully alert to the challenges do that the government can deliver goods to the citizens.”
He expressed happiness that the State had remained peaceful during the last few years, while he was hopeful that Nagaland will progress well with time.
The party president, however, requested the members of the house (CEC members) to be more careful in decision making for the candidates for the ensuing State election. It may be mentioned that the Manipur election is only six months away and Nagaland is 17 months.
Minister for Home, Y Patton, in his address, urged the elected leaders to remain united. Stating that the legislators have reconciled, he said, it is time they come together and work as one effective party to win the next election.
Minister for PHED, Tokheho Yepthomi, also reiterated the need for oneness among party leaders and workers. He feared that complacency within the party workers could lead to their defeat.
MP Rajya Sabha KG Kenye said the reorganization process within the party would continue till the election.
The programme, chaired by NPF working president, Huskha Yepthomi, commenced with invocation pronounced by Rev. Kuzierang Thou, State Chaplain.

NPF CEC re-affirms support to Indo-Naga peace process

A meeting of the Central Executive Council of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), held at Kohima today unanimously re-affirmed its support to the ongoing peace process and the political talk between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).
The meeting urged upon both the entities to expedite the political talks and translate the August 3rd Framework Agreement into a reality without much procrastination.
The resolution committee included Convenor Zaku Tsukru and members BP Hanghu, P. Longon, Y. Vikheho Swu and Achumbemo Kikon.
Meanwhile, the CEC deeply condoled the untimely demise of late Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman, NSCN (IM).
The house also reiterated its appeal to the NSCN (K) to re-consider its decision and resume the ceasefire with the Government of India as desired by the Naga People. It also urged upon all the Naga political groups to unite and seek solution for the interest of the entire Nagas.
The house resolved to demand the Government of India for revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the entire Naga areas. In this regard the party said it will submit a memorandum to the Government of India.
The house resolved to reiterate Article II Section 2 Clause (c) of the Party Constitution i.e. “To work for unity and integrity of the people by integrating all contiguous Naga inhabited areas under one administrative roof and also to provide protection to all the ethnic groups who are indigenous inhabitants of all Naga Inhabited Areas”.
The house endorsed the decision of the State cabinet/government for 33% women reservation in municipal and town councils. However, the CEC strongly felt that some provisions of the Nagaland Municipal Act need to be reviewed.
The house resolved to have penal discussion on the vision document 2030 before it is finalised. In this regard, the CEC appealed to the government to delay/extend the submission of the vision documents to the Government of India.
The house also resolved to uphold the leadership of the Chief Minister TR Zeliang and most respected president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu.