Dimapur, Jan. 2: Chief minister, TR Zeliang has reiterated to the ENPO that “neither the Nagaland Municipal (3rd amendment) Act 2016 nor the reservation of seats for women does not in any way infringe upon article 371 (A) of the constitution of India and the state government stands by this.”
This was contained in a press release issued by the chief minister’s office on Monday in response to the ENPO’s Noklak resolution demand. According to the statement, ‘the ultimatum of December 10 submitted by the Naga Hoho and the ENPO was received and the issue was brought out and discussed in the cabinet meeting held on December 13, 2016.’
“A meeting was therefore convened with representatives of the Naga Hoho and the ENPO at the chief minister’s residence at Dimapur on 17th Dec 2016 where the Cabinet, Parliamentary Secretaries and other Legislators were present. The position of the government and the need to hold elections was again explained and reiterated. It was felt that all the issues raised were amply clarified on that day and the matter has been understood by all present.
“The announcement of dates for holding the municipal and town councils were hence issued only on 21st Dec 2016 after the meeting of 17th Dec 2016. It may therefore kindly be appreciated that the government has neither ignored nor did it have the intention to sideline the ultimatum submitted by the naga hoho and the ENPO. However, if any misunderstanding has been created on this count it is deeply regretted,” the statement read.
