When everything is omitted, there’s nothing to delete: Chief Minister

March 23, 2023 62 Views No Comment

Emphasizes need for progress & global outlook in ULB debate

Morung Express News
Kohima | March 23

The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, has commented on the ongoing disagreement about the use of the terminologies ‘omission, omitted and deleted’ surrounding Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections in the state. He stated that “when everything is omitted, there’s nothing to delete,” and suggested that people should check the dictionary for the definitions of “omit” and “delete”, which he believes are the same.

Rio made these comments when media personnel queried him on the sideline of a thanksgiving and felicitation event organized by the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in Kohima today. He also highlighted the history of ULB elections in Nagaland from 2001 following the 74th Amendment Act.

As the state has not able to conduct the ULB election, the Supreme Court of India has been questioning the state government time and again, Rio said, referring to Supreme Court’s july 14 and 29 judgement/orders.

Rio noted that a consultative meeting was held on March 9, 2022, with tribal hohos, civil society, political parties, and NGOs. At this meeting, it was resolved and agreed to proceed with the ULB elections in the state, and the due process for ULB elections in the state had started based on the agreement. The standing directives from the Supreme Court meant that the issue of whether to conduct the ULB election or not could not be discussed in the assembly session.

As such, on March 21, the elected members of the NLA met outside the assembly hall to discuss the ULB election issue and the elected members were informed to consult with their respective tribal hohos. Rio maintained that there must be a consensus agreement among all the tribes if the ULB election is to be held, and if there are reasons that it cannot be held, bring it to the notice of the government so that it can apprise the Court. He stressed that, “If we go ahead with election with division of opinions, we may create another law and order problem.”

While noting that there is no disapproval on the 33% reservation for women, the Chief Minister stated that the government has also amended the tax on land and buildings.

However, he also reasoned that even if there is tax, it would be upon the prerogative of the elected representatives how much to collect, and the money to be utilised for upgradation and beautification of the towns and cities adding that the state is not receiving funds as intended due to non-conduct of ULB election.

Rio also opined that it is not sensible that Nagas should object to tax or women reservation, reasoning that ‘even in our tradition we pay household tax and we have women representatives in the village councils and VDBs too.’

He reiterated that urban local bodies and rural local bodies are two different entities by tradition, and that village traditions cannot be imposed on urban areas which are a mixture of all tribes including people from outside.

“We have all become global citizens with our children studying and living outside too,” he pointed out adding that if people continue to be confined in the traditions, Nagas will be living in isolation and unable to progress.

Meanwhile the elected members from Kohima Region of 11 Northern Angami-II, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio; Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse from 8th Western Angami; and Advisor Kekhrielhoulie Yhome from 10 Northern Angami-I have thanked all the party rank and file for their support and collective efforts towards ensuring their victory.

They sought solicited their support and cooperation as they strive towards fulfilling the aspiring of the people of the state as elected representatives.