Cannot live in the patriarchal mindset of the past: Jakhalu

March 12, 2023 31 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 12

MLA-elect, Hekani Jakhalu said that the Nagas cannot afford to continue living in the past. “The time has changed. We cannot be living in the patriarchal mindset that was when our forefathers used to live. It has to change,” said Jakhalu on the sideline of a “Thanksgiving” programme in Dimapur on March 11.

She was asked whether the opposition to the 33 percent reservation of seats for women in the Urban Local Bodies in Nagaland was justified. Though she contested and won without reservation quota, she maintained that there should be reservation for women in decision-making bodies.

Backdropped by the Nagaland state government announcing ULBs elections, the Association of Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat (AKMWP), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) had, on March 10, written to the Chief Minister reaffirming the three associations’ opposition to Municipal taxation on land and buildings and women’s reservation. The three bodies maintained that it infringes the special rights guaranteed to Nagaland state by Article 371 (A).

According to Jakhalu, she, along with the Minister for Women Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, will soon embark on a mission to parley with the leaders of the three associations to let them understand the importance of reserving seats for women in decision-making bodies. Jakhalu and Kruse became the first women to win seats in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the recently concluded elections. Jakhalu was also appointed as Advisor of Industries and Commerce by the Neiphiu Rio-led NDPP-BJP government.

Earlier, addressing supporters at the “Thanksgiving” programme, she said that her electoral victory was a result of collective effort and stressed the need for the involvement of all for realizing her vision of turning the 3 Dimapur-III Assembly seat into a model constituency.

While stating that her goal is to serve the people and fulfill the promises made during her campaign, she reminded that the election was just the beginning of working towards achieving the development goals.

Having worked with the youth for 17 years, Jakhalu expressed confidence that the youth will play a vital role in achieving her vision for the constituency. The youths, she added, must also start looking beyond quick fixes to achieve their ambitions.

She further said that she was happy with work portfolio allocated to her and promised to do everything in her power to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to her.