Dimapur, Jan. 9: In a shocking turn of events, the Ao Senden on Monday evening issued an order banishing the legislator and minister of National Highways & Mechanical, Nuklutoshi Longkumer from Ao territory with immediate effect.
“Ao Senden hereby resolved and declared that Mr Nuklotoshi the so call (sic) minister Govt. of Nagaland, his initiative and action towards Ao community was beyond tolerances (sic) and unacceptable, therefore he was served quit notice from Ao territory with immediate effect,” read an Ao Senden resolution made available to the media on Monday.
“On this matter any untoward incidences or incident occur (sic) to him and his parties during and after this notification, the Ao Senden will not take any responsibility. Ao Senden further reaffirmed its stance that till the person acknowledge his misdeed and tender unconditional apology to the Ao Senden, he is debarred from entering Ao territory and that directive will stand firm and true,” the order read further.
According to highly reliable sources, the Ao Senden decision was to banish Nuklutoshi was taken soon after the minister had tried to facilitate four intending candidates to file their nomination papers at Tuli on Monday.
The minister concerned was not available for comments when Eastern Mirror tried to contact him on Monday evening.
Peaceful bandh in Tuensang
Our Staff Reporter confirmed that the bandh in Tuensang district, called by Chang Khulie Setsang (CKS) and Tuensang Village Council on Monday, went off peacefully without any untoward incidents.
President of Chang Khulie Setsang, Nokshang Chang told Eastern Mirror that the bandh was effective and peaceful with Tuensang public keeping vigil across the town. The intending candidates have also stood by with the decision of Chang Khulie Setsang and Tuensang Village Council, maintained Chang. No nominations were received till January 9, according to CKS and district administration.
Sumi Hoho reaffirms opposition
The Sumi Hoho has reiterated its opposition to the urban local bodies elections with 33% reservation for women. The organisation issued a press release on Monday reaffirming its decision to oppose the same.
“The Hoho shall never accept anything if it means compromise and infringement of Article 371A. In this regard, the Hoho has also issued press statements several times expressing its opposition. The Sumi Hoho is of the view that at par with men, women too, who are competent and desirous can go ahead for open contest from anywhere if they wished to and hold any position as men does.”
It also noted that despite its call to intending candidates to refrain from filing nominations to Zunheboto town council, ‘NPF candidates led by Huskha Yepthomi, NPF Working president and Hukavi Zhimomi MLA from Zunheboto constituency with their entourage and security forces proceeded and filed nominations forcefully.’
“The Hoho leaders assured the district law enforcing agencies in advance that the public will never create law and order situations as it was never the intention of the Sumi public leaders to go for physical confrontations but with positivity approach, the public leaders repeatedly appealed to the party leaders and the candidates to heed to the voice of the people.
In spite of that, they went ahead and filed nominations. The Sumi Hoho hereby declare to make known to the Sumi populace that should any complications arise in future causing hindrances and infringement to Sumi peoples practises and rights, the aforementioned leaders should be held solely responsible,” it stated.
The Sumi Hoho, once again, urge upon all the candidates who have filed nominations to withdraw their nominations in the best and larger interest of the Sumis in particular and the Nagas in general, it stated.
In a separate press release, the Sumi Hoho has called for an emergency executive meeting January 11 next at 10 am at Sumi Hoho Ki, Zunheboto. ‘All the executive members, Sumi legislators, Sumi Hoho representatives to NTC and CNTC, Zunheboto Area GB Association and Zunheboto Town GB Association and Zunheboto Town Youth Organization are requested to attend this meeting positively,’ it informed.
“The Sumi Hoho has also called another meeting with the candidates of Zunheboto Town Council election at 1 pm on the same day at Sumi Hoho Ki, Zunheboto.”
The Phom Peoples’ Council has directed ‘all the presidents of different political parties of Longleng division, presidents of federating unit¬ Phom Students' Conference (PSC), Phomla Hoichern, Association of Phom Graduates & Officers (APGO), ex Ministers, ex MLAs and prominent public leaders of Phom area’ to assemble at Longleng district headquarter latest by January 12 next to discuss the municipal and town councils election issue. “Absentees shall be held responsible for any discrepancies that may arise,” it stated.
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No nomination was registered for Mokokchung Municipal Council and Changtongya Town Council election as volunteers stood vigil from dawn to dust to boycott the nomination proceedings in Mokokchung district despite the State Election Commission deciding to extend the period of filing of nomination till Monday.
While in Mokokchung, the Ao Senden – supported by leaders and volunteers from Ayim Asem Lika (Landowners from Mokokchung,Ungma and Khensa villages), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang, Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang and Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem – strictly imposed the total bandh and stood vigil in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday. No untoward incident was reported during the bandh.
In Changtongya, after taking prior approval from the State Election Commission, the Changtongya SDO (C) and Returning Officer shifted the Additional RO office to ADC Hq, Tuli to file the nomination papers for intending candidates.
However, the three land landowners of Tuli (Wameken, Kangtsung and Merangkong village) and Tuli Town Ward Union submitted a letter to the ADC Tuli, expressing regret pertaining to the filing of nomination papers coming from other municipalities as it would disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the area concerned.
To this, the RO office (Additional) was again shifted to EAC Hq Chuchuyimlang but till the expiry of the allotted time, no intending candidates turned up to file their nomination.
Meanwhile, the Ao Senden office has informed that the Ao Senden Federal Assembly will be held at its office on January 11 next. The meeting will commence from 10 am onwards. Matter regarding to municipality and town council election issues will deliberated during the Ao Senden Federal Assembly, therefore all Federal Assembly members have been requested to attend the meeting. No official information will be dispatched regarding this meeting, the Ao Senden stated.
The Ao Senden also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers for the past seven days for their tireless service to ‘protect and uphold the rich Naga customary law and practices.’
