Nagaland Assembly begins on Tuesday; key debates expected

KOHIMA — The Seventh Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) will commence on Tuesday at the NLA Complex in Kohima.

According to the provisional list of business issued by the NLA secretariat, the first day will begin with obituary references, followed by questions and calling attention to matters of urgent public importance under Rule-54(1), if any.

Other scheduled items include reporting on assent to bills, introduction of government bills and resolutions (if any), ministerial statements under Rule-55, laying of annual administrative reports, reports/rules/regulations, presentation of Assembly Committee reports, and discussion on matters of urgent public importance under Rule-50.

After a day’s recess on Wednesday, the Seventh Session will conclude on Thursday, September 4, with regular business before being adjourned sine die.

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On the opening day, Kuzholuzo Nienu, MLA and leader of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party, is scheduled to make a ‘calling attention to matter of urgent public importance’ under Rule-54(1).

According to sources, the NLA secretariat has informed Nienu that the Speaker had admitted his notice under Rule-54 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business on the subject ‘Prohibition of Satanic Worship in Nagaland.’ The matter is to be taken up after question hour on Tuesday.

Further, on Thursday, Nienu will initiate a discussion under Rule-50 on the subject ‘Safeguarding the Rights of Indigenous Communities.’

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It may be noted that Rule-54 allows members to quickly draw ministerial attention to urgent public matters and secure immediate statements in the House, but without debate.

Rule-50, on the other hand, provides for a structured discussion on definite matters of urgent public importance, enabling members to raise, debate, and seek government accountability without requiring a formal decision or vote.

Meanwhile, pressing issues facing the state, including the protracted Naga political issue, implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), unemployment, and development concerns, are also expected to surface during the session, though this could not be confirmed at the time of filing this report.

In the run-up to the session, the state government convened a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on Monday at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima.