Taking note of Naga Hoho’s reaction to the cabinet decision to go ahead with the elections to municipal bodies by granting 33% women quota in the Urban Local Bodies/Town Counicls, the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) on Monday expressed hope that the Naga Hoho would “use its wisdom” and consider the equal participation of women in municipalities and town councils by reconsidering their earlier resolution.
In a representation addressed to the Naga Hoho president, the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation convener Abeiu Meru and co-convener Dr. Rosemary Dzivichu reminded the Hoho that Naga women have approached the Supreme Court and an interim order has revived the single judge order accordingly.
JACWR also reminded the members of Naga Hoho that Naga women have “come to the age” and were well prepared to contest in the long awaited town and municipal elections.
In another memorandum addressed to the chief minister, JACWR stated that it was seriously concerned with the latest letter of Naga Hoho, asking to keep the cabinet decision in abeyance as “it was premature for women”.
Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation said the negotiation of the constitutional rights of women as equal citizens was a contentious matter as Naga women were prepared and looking forward to actively participate in the urban governance as per Supreme Court interim order.
Appreciating the cabinet decision, the committee was optimistic that state government would hold the elections at the earliest and ensure that women would be given chance to work as equal partners for the development of towns and the state.