Dimapur, Jan. 14: The much anticipated Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections 2017 continues to be going through a tug-of-war between State government and tribal hohos concerning the 33% women reservation.
However, women candidates from Dimapur have defied those odds and are determined to make their presence by filing nominations for the ULB elections. Many women candidates are set to make their presence felt in the State politics and contribute to the society.
One such woman is Tokheli Kikon, former chairperson of Naharbari Village Council (NVC) and also Advisor of Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC). A mother of three children, people acquainted with Tokheli refers her as ‘daring woman.’ Tokheli is contesting the forthcoming Dimapur municipal elections from Ward 6. Tokheli is the first woman in the State to lead a village council as chairperson.
Her conscience is clear for the forthcoming election as she is determined to continue working for the town and people her heart is close with. Crediting her husband Er. R Kikon, family and people close to her for persuading and guiding her, Tokheli amusingly says, ‘I am getting aged and before I run out of my period, I would like to work for Dimapurians and make myself useful.’
Restoring sense of security and peace among the business community as her main priority, Tokheli will fight the municipal election. She optimistically conveys, ‘I will through my kindness share a good rapport with other wards of Dimapur or whoever will be elected from my ward for a better Dimapur.’
Tokheli was awarded lifetime achievement for women empowerment on International Women’s Day in the year 2007 and she is also a recipient of Governor’s Gold Medal 2013. Having received two prestigious awards, Tokheli asserts, “It will be a shame on me if I do not give back what I have been honoured with. I have lots more to do in my capability and I will work towards bringing exceptional change for Dimapurians.’
Tokheli’s association with community service dates back when she was NVC a member, Village Education Committee and chairperson of NVC for three terms. In the first term Tokheli defeated her male candidate for NVC. Noticing her competence and commitment, she was preferred to lead NVC for the second and third term.
With pride she concludes saying, ‘Ward 6 is my responsibility. It will be my concern to contribute for a better and peaceful Dimapur.’
