KOHIMA, AUGUST 15 : Against the backdrop of the announcement made by the Chief Minister TR Zeliang that the state cabinet has decided to hold the long due municipal elections with 33% reservation for women and the subsequent plea to the Chief Minister by the Naga Hoho to keep the decision in abeyance, the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) held an emergency meeting on August 13.
The committee members wrote to the Chief Minister and met the president of Naga Hoho putting across a clear message that Naga women are looking forward to the conduct of the municipal polls at the earliest.
In a memorandum to the Chief Minister, the JACWR while appreciating the cabinet decision to hold the elections with 33% women reservation, expressed serious concern with the latest letter of the Naga Hoho addressed to the Chief Minister asking that the cabinet decision be kept in abeyance as it is “premature for women”.
The committee sought the immediate attention of the Chief Minister to the matter, stating that this negation of the constitutional rights of women as equal citizens is a contentious matter. It pointed out that Naga women are prepared and are looking forward to actively participate in urban governance as per the Supreme Court interim order.
“We hope that the state government will hold elections at the earliest and ensure that women will be given the chance to work as equal partners for the development of our towns and state,” the memo stated.
Meanwhile, in a separate representation to the Naga Hoho, the JACWR reiterated its deep concern with the content of the Hoho’s letter to the CM whereby it was mentioned that it is premature for women and that the municipal elections be kept in abeyance. The committee reminded that Naga women have approached the Supreme Court for justice to the issue and the interim order has revived the Single Judge Order accordingly. Therefore, it expressed hope the Naga Hoho will use their wisdom and consider the equal participation of women in municipalities and town councils by reconsidering their earlier resolution. It also reminded the members of the Hoho that Naga women have “come of age” and are well prepared to contest in the long awaited town and municipal elections. The documents were endorsed by JACWR convener Abeiu Meru, co-convener Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu and members Berila Tokiu, Angela Yhome, Temsula Thingchum, Atsungla Aier, Meyisenla Pongener, and Sawmi Leyri.
