Dimapur, Jan. 31: The Guwahati High Court on Tuesday ruled that the state government should constitute the Municipalities and Town Councils in the state with 33% reservation of seats for women.
The judgement came in the wake of a petition filed by one Naga woman who prayed that some “extra constitutional bodies” opposed to the elections, were creating hurdles in holding the elections freely and fairly and that the state government be directed to ensure holding of free and fair elections to the ULBs with 33% reservation of seats for women.
The Court also directed the state “to ensure that the election, in question, is held freely and fairly and if necessary, adequate security provided to the candidates and voters.”
A statement from the Chief Minister Office (CMO) however stated that considering the fluid situation prevailing in several towns and Municipal areas, the state cabinet today wrote to the State Election Commission to postpone holding of polls to the following seven municipalities and town councils. It included Dimapur Municipal Council, East Dimapur Town Council, Kiphire Town Council, Tseminyu Town Council, Bhandari Town Council, Wokha Town Council and Zunheboto Town Council.
Elections to the following twelve town councils will take place as scheduled on February 1. They are Peren, Jalukie, Tening, Aboi, Tobu, Tizit, Naginimora, Shamator, Noklak, Pungro, Longkhim and Longleng, the CMO statement informed.
It said candidate from three town councils namely Meluri, Phek and Tuli have been declared elected, and hence no polling is necessary.
As nominations to the ten municipalities and town councils could not take place, and hence no election will be held, it said. They are Kohima, Mokokchung, Pfutsero, Chozouba, Changtongnya, Mangkolemba, Tuensang, Mon, Medziphema and Chumukedima.
However, a government source on Tuesday night said that the elections in Longleng town have been called off.
