Nagaland Urban Council Federation formed to foster development across municipalities

KOHIMA — A consultative meeting among three key municipalities– the Association of Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat (AKMWP), the All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT), and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) — alongside representatives from all 36 town councils of Nagaland has resulted in the establishment of the Nagaland Urban Council Federation (NUCF).

A representative from the newly formed body told Eastern Mirror that the NUCF aims to support both the government and municipal councilors, ensuring comprehensive development across all municipal town councils and wards in anticipation of forthcoming municipal elections.

He noted past instances where promised funds for development failed to materialise even after elections concluded. However, in this election, the elected representatives serving on municipal councils or local governing bodies must prioritise ensuring that development initiatives effectively reach the grassroots level. 

Despite numerous existing organisations in Nagaland, he underscored the necessity of forming the NUCF, particularly with municipal elections approaching.

Expressing uncertainty about the post-election scenario and the extent of engagement between individual municipal or town councils and the government or elected councilors, he went on to explain that the new federation can help establish communication channels with the government.

He also referred to the government’s past assertions that Nagas are disadvantaged by the absence of funds resulting from the lack of municipal elections, he emphasised that these promised funds should be delivered post-elections.

Further, the representative maintained that any essential development needed at the grassroots level would be communicated to the government through their councilors, ensuring that the government becomes familiar with the conditions of the wards.

“We aspire for development not only in one specific municipal council or town council but throughout Nagaland,” he said, adding, that the aim is to foster the state’s development through the concerted efforts of municipal and town councils, by aligning developmental initiatives with the desires of the people.

The NUCF was formed during a meeting convened on March 23, and chaired by Zasivikho Zakiesato, the president of DUCCF.

Amid thorough discussions, the meeting culminated with the unanimous decision to create the federation, dedicated to advancing the welfare of municipalities and town councils.

The house also adopted a resolution to appoint new office bearers, led by representatives from the three municipalities in collaboration with the town councils.

They also resolved to induct new office bearers, with Thejao Sekhose (president of AKMWP) appointed as president, Limanungsang (president of AWUMT) as vice president, and Zasivikho Zakiesato (president of DUCCF) as general secretary.

These new executive members were given the task of drafting the constitution/bye laws at the earliest and laying it for approval of the house in the next meeting.

Additionally, James Yanthan (general secretary of AKMWP) and Bokato Wotsa (assistant general secretary of DUCCF) were appointed as sessional secretaries.

The NUCF’s headquarters will be located in Kohima.