Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon Honje Konyak while not opposing 33% reservation of seats in town and municipal councils for women in Nagaland, has said that women should not be in a “hurry” to avail the quota.
He was speaking at one day workshop organised by Eastern Nagaland Women Organization (ENWO) under the theme “together we build for change,” at KNSK meeting hall Mon Town, Saturday.
Pointing out that women have “outshined” their counterparts in various fields, Konyak said that many changes was taking place in Naga society and that time would bring about more changes.
Asserting that the present cultural and traditional practices were based on the role played by men and women in the past, similarly, he said that the role and practices followed today would someday become the tradition.
Therefore, the DC suggested the women organisations to set modalities and select capable leaders at various levels so as to mould them for future. Incapable representatives on reservation would be meaningless, added Konyak.
He also suggested the womenfolk to contest election instead of fighting for reservation. The DC also urged upon the womenfolk to take up the issue on amending Nagaland Village and Area Council Act so that there could be women representatives in the councils.
Also speaking in the workshop, ENWO president Birila Tokiu deliberated on 33% reservation of seats in town and municipal councils for women in Nagaland.
She lamented that though there are many Naga women serving in the state government at various capacities, there was no women legislator in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly- the highest decision making body of the state.
While appreciating the unity amongst the Konyak civil societies, who share and execute the responsibilities as one, Tokiu opined that Eastern Nagaland unite, everything was achievable.
She maintained that only though unity, dedication, sincerity and commitment could the people in Eastern Nagaland more forward.
Others who spoke on the workshop were Konyak Union president, Konyak Students Union president, ENWO vice president and KNSK president. Facilitators ENWO president and JACWR member, Temsula Thingchum.
It may be mentioned that the workshop was organised with an objective to work towards maintaining peace and unity within the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) area. The workshop was divided into two sessions, the first session for men and the second session for women.