Municipal and town councils of all districts in the State have unanimously resolved to oppose 33 % reservation of seats for women in municipal bodies.
The decision to oppose the reservation was taken at a joint meeting of all Nagaland municipal and town councils, held Tuesday in Dimapur.
Extending support to Mokokchung Municipal Council’s opposition to women in municipal bodies, the House represented by town councilors and municipal members of Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek, Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Chumukedima, Changtongya, Tuli, Tseminyu and Naginimora, resolved to approach the government to revoke the Act.
Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) co- ordinator Yangerlemba, while highlighting the present imbroglio in MMC, said 33% reservation for women would only invite law and order problem.
He also said MMC in its meeting held earlier suggested that women should be given higher percentage of nominees in municipal and town council in addition to voting rights.
Ao Telongjem Mokokchung president Sosangmeren said women in Nagaland have “more equality” as compared to other states and that reservation for women was meant for downtrodden people and not for people who have equality in a state like Nagaland.
Deputy chairperson, Kohima Municipal Council, Thejangulie Thenunuo said even Kohima was facing problem on women reservation with the lone woman municipal member also apparently opposed to women reservation.
While most of the members opposed reservation for women, many were of the view that reservation should be implemented in the case of government nominated members. “Our legislators are misleading us as per article 371, 33 % reservation is meant only for social cast and social tribes,” some members said.
DMC chairperson Khekaho Assumi said, “irrespective of political party affiliations we should fight for the right and stand firm on our ground.” Later, the House decided to form a committee headed by DMC chairperson and all town councilors as members.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026