Dimapur, Feb. 3: DAN legislature party endorsed and welcomed the decision of the government to nullify the entire process of the on-going ULB elections in Nagaland, while it also expressed regret and anguish at the unfortunate death of two Naga youth on the night of January 31 in Dimapur.
The DAN legislature party expressed this in an emergency meeting held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima, on February 3 to take stock of the latest situation in Nagaland.
A CMO press release stated that DAN Legislature Party expressed its deep regret and anguish at the death of two Naga youth namely Khriesavizo Metha of Chiechama village and Bendangnungsang of Aonokpu village on the night of January 31 in the unfortunate incidents of violence in Dimapur. It conveyed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
The DAN legislature party also expressed serious concern at the violent incidents arising out of the opposition to ULB elections in the State, which was being spear-headed by various tribal bodies in Nagaland. It endorsed and welcomed the State government’s decision to nullify the entire process of the on-going ULB elections in Nagaland.
At the same time, the DAN legislature party acknowledged the fact that the recent exercise undertaken by the DAN government to hold elections to ULBs in Nagaland with 33% women reservation was done with a good motive and intention to give better administration and development to our towns and also to fulfil its constitutional duties, and to implement the law of the land. It said there was no intention to dilute the provisions of Article 371-A of the Constitution, but it was rather an attempt to protect it. While the DAN legislature party recognised the democratic right of any one to protest or show their displeasure, it felt that this should be done only in a non-violent and democratic manner. DAN legislature party appealed to the people of the State to refrain from all kinds of violent agitations.
The DAN legislature party has also expressed gratitude to the JACWR for withdrawing their SLP from the Supreme Court, adding it is committed to have wide consultations with stakeholders on the issue in the near future so that the matter is brought to a logical conclusion amicably.
The DAN legislature party, while considering the demand made by Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) for the resignation of the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers, found no ground or justification for the resignation of the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers on account of the recent developments on the issue of ULB election in Nagaland. The DAN legislature party decided to continue functioning under the leadership of TR Zeliang, Chief Minister of Nagaland.
Altogether 42 legislators (exclusive of the CM, Speaker) and were present at the meeting.
Speaker of the NLA, Sazo Chotisuh and the MP Rajya Sabha KG Kenye, who were invited as special invitees, did not sign on the endorsement. The release further stated that the many members who were not in Kohima could not make it owing to restrictions on movement of government vehicles/ officials. There were others who were out of station and few who were undergoing medical assistance.
