‘Nagaland governor has not done enough’

Dimapur, Feb.15: A local organisation has alleged that the governor of Nagaland has ‘not done enough’ to tackle the situation in the state arising out of the municipal and town council elections with 33% reservation of seat for women. The Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) issued a press release on Wednesday remarking that the state needs an ‘erudite governor.’ The governor of Nagaland PB Acharya, the NPRAAF alleged, “has not done enough to diffuse the current crisis between the JCC and NTAC and the government which has deteriorated the situation.” The governor is expected to act impartially without fear or favor and to be sensitive to people’s voice “at all times rather than occupy the chair symbolically and enjoy official perks and hospitality alone.” “Nagaland requires erudite and competent governor versed with laws and not a vegetable governor to normalize the state unrest,” the NPRAAF remarked. The organisation stated: “The governor must act without waste of time as there is total constitutional breakdown in the state which invites article 356 of the Indian constitution as the state government machinery has come to a complete halt for over 13 days and normal lives including trade and commerce activities is adversely affected as a result of massive public agitation across the state following brutal killing of three innocent youth on 31st Jan 2017 who were protesting against conduct of Urban Local Body election.” According to the NPRAAF, Article 356 of the Indian Constitution provides that ‘if the president receives a report from the governor and is satisfied that, the government of the state cannot be carried on in according with the provision of the constitution, the president may by proclamation declare the President’s Rule in the state.’ Further,the NPRAAF ‘suggested’ to the governor of the state to “exercise the limited option before him, judiciously to end the present impasse.” One option, the organisation stated, is to “put the state assembly under suspended animation and impose President Rule in accordance with Article 356 of the Constitution. Another option, the group asserted, is to “initiate process and ask the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government to find replacement of the incumbent Chief Minister TR Zeliang to head the government at the greater interest of peace in the state, either of the option will facilitate a dialogue, merely appealing for good sense and peace in an arm chair will not suffice.” On other matters, the group has appealed to the JCC and NTAC to “rein some over enthusiastic volunteers” during the time of bandh to safeguard its “good Image”. “There could be some unforeseen volunteers who may ruin the people’s movement. NPRAAF further firmly backs the legitimate demands of JCC & NTAC,” the NPRAAF added.