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

DIMAPUR: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has expressed objection to holding the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election in Nagaland on May 16, the same date the Naga Plebiscite was held in 1951.

Terming the state election commission’s notification to conduct ULB election on May 16 as “an affront to the Naga national sentiment”, the NSCN (IM) said in a press statement that “such historic and auspicious day that made the Naga history so unique and revered should not be buried to fulfill local electoral process”.

“What it takes to give historical importance to 16th May? After the declaration of Naga independence on 14th August, 1947, Naga Plebiscite was held on 16th May, 1951 to reaffirm the sovereign will and aspiration of the Nagas as declared on 14thAugust, 1947 to live as a free and a sovereign nation as ever. This is an irrevocable solemn vow that defines the Naga people’s political identity as a nation,” read the statement.

The group went on to remind that the Naga political struggle was started to defend the Naga history and political identity before it signed the Indo-Naga ceasefire with the Government of India in 1997 to pave the way for political dialogue.

It may be mentioned that the decision to hold the ULB election has landed in controversy with several civil society organisations demanding certain portions in the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 be amended and the mention about 33% reservation for women be replaced by nominations with voting rights, before holding the election, while the state government argued that the contentious part —  tax on land and building — in the Act, which many alleged infringes the Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution, has been omitted through an amendment.