More organisations decide to boycott municipal elections

Dimapur, Jan. 3: The state government’s controversial decision to rush ahead with the urban local bodies elections continue to draw flak from various tribe bodies, even as more organizations called for boycott of said elections on Tuesday.

Lotha Hoho

In a press release, the Lotha Hoho has stated it remains “steadfast with the CNTC decision against ULB elections with women reservation, and enforcement of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2012” and that it would not allow said elections to be conducted.

“It may also be apprised to all sensible Nagas that there is no such quota in any of the Indian states or the Union Territories. Even the Indian Parliament has so far not given any decision on the issue of Women Reservation.
“The opinion of the Naga Tribal organisations against the NMA was also presented in the consultative meet, convened by the Nagaland state department of Municipal Affairs on the 16th November 2016. But surprisingly the Nagaland state, which has special provisions under Article 371A, is the first state to talk of women reservation, which is basically against the provisions of Article 371A,” the statement read.

It stated that the Lotha Hoho would not allow said elections to be conducted ‘till the seemingly imported Nagaland Municipal Act, is amended, section by section, by removing all provisions that infringe on the customs and traditions of the Nagas, in accordance with the provisions of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.’

All intending candidates for Wokha and Bhandari Town Councils who file nomination papers will violate the decision of the Lotha Hoho; and will be doing so at his/her own personal risk, it cautioned.

CPO

The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) on Tuesday resolved to boycott the ongoing municipal council/town council election process within its jurisdiction. This decision was taken during its emergency general meeting at Pfutsero town hall on Tuesday.

A CPO press release informed that the meeting was attended by all ‘the frontal organisations, former CPO officials, executive council members, VCCs and GBs.

“In the light of the existing Municipal Council and Town Council Rules being found detrimental to special provision granted to Nagaland State enshrined under Article 371(A) of the constitution, and the ongoing process of election to municipal and town councils have adverse impact on our customs and traditions in the long run.

“The CPO resolved to boycott the ongoing municipal council/town council election process within its jurisdiction. Respective Village Council chairmen are directed to refrain its members to participate in the municipal/town council elections. Any Chakhesang violating this decision shall be ex-communicated from the community and further actions shall taken as deem fit. The Chakhesang Youth Front is empowered to enforce the above resolution,” it stated.

KVYO

The Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) has fully supported and reiterated the stand taken by the Kohima Village Council KVC) and the Angami Public Organisation(APO) to “boycott” the upcoming municipal/ urban local bodies elections by the state government’s move to go ahead with the elections that will see 33% reservation of seats for women.

Through a press release issued Tuesday, the KVYO cautioned all political parties and intending candidates to refrain from filling up the nomination till an amicable understanding was reached between the state government and the APO, various tribe Hohos and other Naga civil societies.

“If any candidate files the nominations papers without honouring the KVC and APO resolution will be doing so at their own risk and he or she will be responsible entirely.”

SAPO

“The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) being one of the constituents of APO has fully extended its support and solidarity to APO’s decision in regards to boycott call against holding of the urban local bodies election till an amicable solutions and proper understanding are made between the state government and the concerned NGOs so as to maintain peaceful co-existence and harmony among the people”, read a brief press statement from SAPO.

The organisation has also requested all the intending candidates to co-operate and refrain from filing the nominations.

CVC

The Chumoukedima Village Council (CVC) has extended total support to Naga Hoho, ENPO, Ao Senden and APO, which resolved to boycott the municipal and town council elections with 33% seat reservation for women.

“While welcoming election in municipal and town council, it opposes reservation because it does not suit the Nagas society, infact it directly challenge the Nagas customs and traditions,” a press release from the CVC stated.

It has asked ‘all the people living in Chumoukedima jurisdiction/area’ to strictly adhere to the decision of CVC and fully support Naga Hoho, ENPO, Ao Senden and APO.