Opposition to ULB elections grow in Nagaland citing varying reasons

•    Sumi Hoho for women reservation; deletion of tax clause 
•    AWUMT, KVC opposes in-toto without amendments

Dimapur, March 16 (MExN): More organisations on Wednesday said that they would not allow or participate in the Nagaland ULB elections set to be held on May 16, unless the government amends parts of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 with regard to women’s reservation; and taxation on land and buildings.

In this connection, the All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) has resolved not to hold municipal elections in Mokokchung Town stating that sections of the Act allegedly infringes on rights given under Article 371A. 

If the State Government decides to hold the elections to urban local bodies without the amendment, a joint meeting of AWUMT and leaders from 18 wards of Mokokchung Town on March 15, resolved to seek various avenues to protect the right. 

In addition, the meeting resolved not to allow filing of nomination in the 18 wards of Mokokchung town if the State Government decides to hold the ULBs election without necessary amendment, informed a press release from AWUMT President, Limanungsang and General Secretary, Jongpongtemjen.

The AWUMT maintained that the resolutions were based on its joint representation along with All Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat (AKMWP) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) to the State government for necessary to the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 before holding the municipal elections.

KVC objects
Similarly, the Kohima Village Council (KVC) on Wednesday stated that it would stand against the conduct of elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state, if the Government of Nagaland does not amend and delete sections of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2021 pertaining to women’s reservation; and taxation on land and buildings.

In a press release received here on Wednesday, KVC Chairman Helievi-o Solo conveyed the Council’s stern support to recommendations made by the Association of Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat, All Ward Union Mokokchung Town and Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation earlier on March 10.

Citing direct infringement of Article 371A of the Constitution of India, the KVC echoed the three organisations and urged the Government to immediately amend Section 120 (1) (a) of the Act referring to “A tax on land and building,” and those provisions relating to ownership of land and building. Similarly, it also recommended that the government formulate a policy for nominating women with voting rights equivalent to 33 % seats in lieu of a quota and reservation system, “which is not a social practice in the Naga society.”

In the release, the KVC also rehashed accounts of past ULB elections and the violence that broke out in 2017. It asserted that “In case the Government fails to listen and address the genuine demand of the people, and proceed with the election process regardless of endangering or infringing Article 371A, the people of the soil may resort to anything for protection and retention of their birthright.” 

“All intending candidates are herby informed not to file nomination till the matter is settled,” it added.

Complete deletion of  Section 120(1) (a)
Meanwhile, the Sümi Hoho and the Sümi frontal organisations have resolved to boycott the upcoming Urban Local Body election in Zunheboto district, till the Government of Nagaland reviews and completely deletes Section 120 (1) (a) of the Act.

In a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland on Wednesday, the Sümi Hoho informed that it held an emergency consultative meeting on March 14 and the Hoho along with the Sümi frontal organisations discussed the issue at length and arrived at two key resolutions.

According to the memorandum, Section 120 (1) (a) of the Nagaland Municipal Act infringes on the protection guaranteed to the Naga people under Article 371-A of the Constitution of India, which asserts that the Naga people are the absolute owners of their own land.

Until the government of Nagaland reviews and completely deletes the Section with regards to taxation on lands and buildings and issues a notification, the Sümi Hoho and the Sümi frontal organisations will boycott the Urban Local Body election in Zunheboto district in toto, it asserted.

In connection with reservation of wards for women, the memorandum stated that the organisations have accepted 33% reservation for women. “However, reservation of office of the Chairperson for women is a deprivation to the rightful candidate,’ it said.

Instead, it suggested and appealed to the Government of Nagaland that the reservation made to the office of the Chairperson for women should be amended so that the elected candidates can democratically choose the rightful candidate, whether male or female.

The memorandum was appended by Sümi Hoho President I Nikheto Jimomi and General Secretary Dr Vihuto Assumi; Sümi Kükami Hoho President Kashito Yepthomi and General Secretary Hetoho S Zhimomi; ZAPO President Kakugha S Rotokha; ZCCI President Kikheto Muru; and ZTGBA H Shihoto Zhimomi.