DIMAPUR — Responding to the letter from the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung dated September 11, the All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) has, in an emergency meeting of 18 wards, resolved and reaffirmed to maintain the local bodies perpetually stating that no authority has the power to disband/ phase out the ward committees.
It stated that the ward committee (authority) is an institution formed and mandated by the public for the welfare and security of the settlers/community in their respective wards. The union added that it is a purely a voluntary and independent organisation constituted according to the traditional and customary practices of the Nagas.
“If the government is of the view that the ward authorities duplicate the functioning of the municipal/ town councils, the competent authority should specifically clarify the areas of duplication in order to avoid friction and confusion between the two entities,” AWUMT stated.
Meanwhile, AWUMT has expressed solidarity with the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council (AKMWC) and supported the resolutions passed during its meeting with the ward and colony chairmen/ representatives held on October 30 at D Block Panchayat hall in Kohima.