Dimapur, Jan. 13: Tuli area landowners comprising Kangtsung, Wameken, Merangkong villages have strongly objected to the alleged diktat of the Ao Senden to ex-communicate all intending candidates of the forthcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections for a period of 30 years if they do not withdraw their candidature on or before January 17.
A joint meeting of the Tuli area landowners held on January 13 said the action was in total contravention of Ao customary laws and practices and tantamount to infringement upon the jurisdiction and powers of the Ao Putu Menden.
The landowners have reiterated its earlier resolution adopted at the joint meeting of the landowners of Tuli area and Tuli Town Wards Union to participate in the forthcoming ULB elections ‘if the Government conducts the said election in even a remote corner of Nagaland.’
A joint statement issued by chairman of Kangtsung village council, M Mar Lemtur; chairman of Wameken village council I Wati Jamir; chairman of Merangkong village council, Imdangjungba; and chairman of Tuli Town Wards Union, L Akum Imsong urged upon the State government to conduct the election as per the original schedule.
Villages reaffirm to boycott ULB elections
Changtongya and Akhoya Putu Menden said the ensuing ULBs election called by the State government was against the wishes of the stakeholders. It said the traditional landowners of Changtongya and Akhoya along with All Ward Chairmen Forum (Changtongya town) decided to resist and boycott the proposed elections as it is being held against the public sentiment.
The two village authority, in a joint press statement issued by chairmen of Changtongya and Akhoya Kosasanger Putu namely I Kumzuk Longkumer and S Kilang Longkumer, appreciated all public for their whole hearted support to the boycott call. It also thanked all the intending candidates for their cooperation and abstaining from filing nomination papers. It reiterated to continue boycotting the ULB elections in future if the government does not responds to the public demand.
Meanwhile, the two Putu Menden condemned the modus operandi of the concerned authority in extending two more days for filing nomination papers. It wondered how the authority arbitrarily shifted to three locations within four hours for filing nomination papers (from Changtongya to Tuli and Chuchuyimlang) though there was no law and order problem in and around Changtongya town. It demanded to know under whose authority such extra judicial power was exercised against the wishes of the peace loving citizens.
PH seeks further deliberation
Pochury Hoho (PH) has appealed to the State government to have further deliberation with all stakeholders before holding the proposed Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections scheduled on February 1.
The decision to seek further deliberation with stakeholders was taken in an executive council meeting of the Pochury Hoho on January 13 at its office chamber in Meluri town. After thorough discussion on Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, the Hoho reiterated its earlier discussion on August 12, 2016, to stand by the decision of Naga Hoho.
The executive council also solemnly pledged to commit and rededicate themselves to strengthen the sanctity of Pochury Hoho against all forms of internal and external elements. The Hoho general secretary, Er. Vichutho Nyusou, stated this in a press release.
In the face of stiff opposition over 33% reservation for women in ULB elections which prompted tribal bodies to call for its postponement, Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) today alleged that some non-Nagaland Nagas from neighbouring states have also filed nominations.
Expressing its dismay about some non-indigenous Naga inhabitants from other states taking undue advantage in the name of the women reservation, CNTC informed public leaders like GBs/ chairmen of various colonies and localities to be vigilant of such practices which are detrimental to the Nagas of Nagaland.
As resolved by mass civil society organisations under Dimapur district on January 4, Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has fixed January 15 deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers for the ‘so called’ forthcoming Urban Local Bodies elections.
In this connection, NCD general secretary Thsapongkyu Sangtam requested the tribal union presidents in Dimapur district namely Kuki, Kachari, Rongmei, Phom and Sangtam to personally contact its vice president (Admn) K Ghokheto Chophy on Phone no. 9856213163 for urgent assignment on January 14 before 12 noon.
On Friday, 16 more candidates have withdrawn their candidature for the ensuing elections to the municipal and town councils.
According to official reports, 2 more candidates from Phek Town Council, 9 from Chozuba Town Council, 1 from Kiphire Town Council, and 4 from Chumukedima Town Council have withdrawn their nominations today. The total number of candidates to have withdrawn their nominations now adds up to 53, while 482 others are still up for the February 1 polls.
This comes in the backdrop of various tribal organisations strongly opposing the state government’s decision to conduct the long due civic polls with 33% women reservation. Their contention is that, reservation would infringe certain rights of the Nagas guaranteed under Article 371(A).
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 17, and the final list of contesting candidates as well as the list of polling stations will also be brought out on the same day.
