Morung Express News
Kohima | September 12
The second day of the 12th NLA’s 2nd session today saw the maiden participation of the two women legislators from Nagaland in the discussion on the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections.
Highlighting the background on how 33% women reservation was heralded in the state, Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse said it all started in 2006 when a woman went to the court questioning why the provision for women was not enacted.
Acknowledging the efforts of the women, who pursued the ensuring of reservation, Kruse also acknowledged the menfolk of the state, the legislators included, for giving their consent to implement 33% women reservation in the ULBs.
Advisor Hekani Jakhalu Kense asserted that women reservation is a constitutional obligation under Article 243Tof the Constitution of India— the very Constitution from which the rights that “we” enjoy are derived from.
She noted that Naga women have not been able to overcome the perpetual denial of their right to participate in decision making, despite making advancement in education and other fields. In such a circumstance, she said that seat reservation is the only reasonable means.
While acknowledging what customary laws means to the Nagas, she added, “customary laws as we understand is not codified, it is not a uniform law, it is something that is fluid, flexible and our forefathers throughout the years adapted to the times.”
The conflict, she maintained, has not been about “man versus woman,” but an issue that needed change through sensitisation and awareness.
“During our time, let us make history in passing this bill, so that our children and our children’s children will have a secure future and a beautiful life that our future deserves,” said Kense.
Minister KG Kenye, who raised the issue for discussion, claimed that the matter has been extensively deliberated and participated thoroughly in the Assembly and with tribal leaders, CSOs and all relevant stakeholders. According to him, repealing the Municipal Act of 2001 and preparing a new one has been a tremendous exercise, where everyone involved put in everything to try and arrive at a consensus.
He asserted that the will of the majority will prevail and the government will not hesitate to enact a new Act. He held that a consensus has been arrived and the Members only need to register and support that “We repealed the previous Act in toto, and welcome and support the new proposed Municipal Act.”
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton and Minister Temjen Imna Along stated that since a consensus has been arrived at, it should be welcomed by all.
“The decision to have the Urban Local Bodies elections, in the new way, with the understanding of all the people of our state should be welcomed by all, and we look forward to having our Urban Local Bodies elections very soon and the urban local governments started in Nagaland,” said Along.
Other members, who participated in the discussion, included Kuzholuzo Nienu, Achumbemo Kikon, Zhaleo Rio and Jacob Zhimomi.
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