NGBF says Naga Customary Law does not warrant creation of ULBs

Dimapur: Joining the bandwagon of various tribal hohos and civil society organisations opposed to conduct of election to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) has asserted that Naga Customary Law, as per the agreed terms of 1960, does not warrant the creation of urban local bodies.

The federation maintained that the village, area and range councils alone can be made operational and that Article 243 cannot be applied to Nagaland, including 73^rd amendment of the Constitution.

“Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001, (9) (2) of dividing the villages into wards and the same as in 21(2) of the same Act do not fit into the scheme of article 371 (A) (1) (a) and infringing in any manner is not encouraged,” NGBF said in a press release.

While congratulating the newly-elected government headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the federation also said it supports any developmental initiatives of the government for the betterment of the public and that the ULB is no exception.

However, NGBF said it has “few reservations” and is obligated to share its opinions in regard to the ULB election and the complaints from the tribal hohos and civil organisations.

“The Supreme Court directive is an outcome of our failure in convincing the court on the political negotiations between the Government of India and Naga National Political Groups and the concerned party should take responsibility of it,” the federation claimed.

It also stated that the agreement of 1960 between the Government of India and the Naga People’s Convention addressed the formation of a legislative assembly with separation of powers from the Parliament of India.

The federation went on to state that the Naga political solution drawn between Naga political groups and GoI have been discussed in all the forums including that of Nagaland legislators.

“We are made to understand that the formation of Bicameral house and Federal Hoho and the structuring of the  administration of the Federal Hoho, would be  decided after the political solution and therefore, conducting the local body election at this stage is not fully the will of the Nagas,” NGBF said.

“If at all we are serious of our Naga political solution the political reality should be let known to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” it added.

Also read: NSCN (IM) objects to holding ULB election in Nagaland on May 16