DIMAPUR:
In light of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on Urban Local Bodies (ULB) convening a joint consultative meeting with all apex tribal bodies, including civil society organisations, to discuss “pending unsettled contentious issues” ahead of the March 25 civic body polls in Nagaland, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, on March 21, reiterated that 33 per cent seats will be reserved for women in the polls.
Adding that the polls will be conducted as per the March 9 resolution, he said, “Elections to the civic bodies will be held according to the 74th amendment to the Constitution of India and 33 per cent reservation of seats are for women.”
Responding to the debate on the Governor’s address in the Nagaland Assembly, the chief minister reiterated steps have been taken to conduct the civic body elections, adding that an intensive electoral roll will be prepared.
“For the scheduled elections, we are intensively updating the electoral roll and 29 towns have been identified in this regard,” Rio added.
JCC convenor, Luola-o Usou, and secretary, W Rainbow Ngullie, said that Naga apex civil society organisations had mandated and endorsed the JCC and Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) via the February 7, 2017 resolution.
Notably, the resolution aims to voice the legitimate demands of the Nagas against the application of the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) of 2001, in its present form. The JCC argued that the present form infringes the basic rights under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.
It granted Nagas “special status”, which empowered them to interpret this constitutional provision keeping in mind Naga customs and traditions, reflecting the interests and aspirations of the people.
Citing how Manipur does not have taxation and reservation issues, he said, “Smaller towns can adopt the same rural town systems so that they (towns) can get Village Development Board (VDF) funding. Other district headquarters willing to urbanise can look at urban local body finding and update the towns accordingly.”
Rio brought up several pending issues, namely, the “positive and proper negotiations” on the inter-state boundary issues with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Myanmar.
Emphasising on the road along the Nagaland – Manipur border, which is considered a ‘rice bowl’ and rich in mineral deposits, he added that the road’s construction has been delayed due to border issues and financial constraints.
He also stressed on the issue of oil and natural gas exploration in the Assam – Nagaland border. Rio said, “The state will take steps in seeking cooperation from the Centre and the Assam government, including the sharing of royalties on the matter.”
On the Naga political issue, he maintained that the state government is united to form an opposition – less government to address the issue.