Naga Hoho reacts to NPCC’s statement

Dimapur, August 15 : The Naga Hoho has reacted to a news item “NPCC welcomes ULBs elections” which was carried in local dailies on August 15 issued by Media Cell of NPCC. A statement by Communication Cell, Naga Hoho said that it has no objection to exhibiting one’s interest in a democratic society towards one of the contentious issues pertaining to “Municipal Act “ vis-a-vis 33% women reservation under ULBs elections. The Naga Hoho however, noted that along with various tribe Hohos, it has spearheaded the movement and pleaded before the state government for review of Municipal Act of 2001 & 2006 as it directly linked with the rights given to the Naga people under Art.371 (A). In regard to the view of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee on the question of "some civil societies who have no accountability towards the people they claim to represent", the Naga Hoho clarified that it is an organization with the mandate and support of respective tribe Hohos and not attached to any political party. “Therefore, the question is – who represents the masses, Naga Hoho or NPCC Media Cell? Does the author of “NPCC welcomes ULBs elections” have the people’s mandate or accountability? As traditional and social organization, the Naga Hoho is unequivocally clear that the Municipal Act is in contravention with the traditional and customary usages of the Nagas which is enshrined under Art.371 (A) of the Indian constitution and therefore it is our bounden duty to safeguard the rights of the Nagas.”