Dimapur, Feb. 5: The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has stated that the NMA, being one with specific objectives for which it was formed in the first place, cannot be dissolved on the direction of “any outside forces.’ The work of the NMA to be a 'voice for the voiceless' on women’s rights and social issues will continue, the organisation has stated.
The NMA issued a press release to the media on Sunday. The women’s organisation has responded to the “situation” in the state that tribal women organisations have been pressurised by their apex tribal organisations to withdraw from the NMA.
The NMA stated that it was founded in 1984 by a group of committed Naga mothers for social change. “...till today, we carry on the vision and work for peace and social change, without any compromise or favour. The NMA cannot be dissolved on the direction of any outside forces and its work of being a voice for the voiceless on women’s rights and social issues will continue in the days to come,” the organisation stated.
Concerning the petitions in the Supreme Court, the NMA noted the statement from the Sumi Hoho alleging that the NMA had lost direction and the confidence of the people: it is “highly objectionable,” the organisation said.
“The NMA reiterates that the legal case taken up on the women reservation issue has been with the full support and consent of the NMA tribe units, the Watsu Mungdang, Tenyimia Women Organisation, ENWO and the NWHD under the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation.”
The NMA clarified: During successive consultative meetings that were held with the Naga Hoho and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation on December 12 and during the second meeting on the 19th of December 2016 with different tribal bodies in the APO Hall, the JACWR (Joint Action Committee for women Reservation) had made its stand known to the apex bodies that the JACWR stood for reservation and democratic election and not nomination, which was offered to the women leaders.”
The decision of the JAC that it was unable to withdraw the “SKP” was told to the leaders, the press release stated.
“However, with the compulsive situations being faced by the women, the JACWR later agreed, on withdrawal of the SLP in the interest of peace in the society. It has come to our notice that there are some who do not believe that the petition for withdrawal of the SLP has been submitted,” the NMA stated.
The group has informed that the petition for withdrawal of the Civil Appeal and the Writ Petition in the Supreme Court have been ‘duly filed in the Supreme Court’ on the 30th of January 2017. A copy was given to the respondent party, which is the state government, it stated.
“Anyone can cross check the Supreme Court website and verify the petition by the two petitioners. Accordingly, a decision has been taken by us and the JACWR has been dissolved on the 1st February 2017.”
