Three municipalities– Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), All Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat (AKMWP) and All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT)– and 36 town councils have resolved to “abide by the wisdom and decision of the tribal hohos in conducting the election” to the urban local bodies (ULBs).
The resolution was adopted at the consultative meeting of the three municipals and 36 town councils held at Mokokchung town on September 16, 2023. The meeting, which adopted a four-point resolution, acknowledged the successful consultative meeting convened by the state government on March 9, 2022 and September 1, 2023.
The three municipals and town councils have, however, appealed to the tribal hohos to identify individuals or organisations, who were detrimental to the protection and preservation of Article 371 (A), and initiate certain precautionary measures in the interest of Nagas.
Further, before the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023 becomes an Act, the meeting resolved to appeal to the select committee to delete sections/clauses that were or could likely infringe Article 371 (A).
The house also resolved to have another consultative meeting after the bill becomes an Act.
Meanwhile, with regard to the Supreme Court hearing slated on September 26, 2023, the house noted that the three municipals were impleaded in the PIL No.3607, Civil suit in the matter of government of Nagaland Vrs People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) for opposing the words “Deleted, Deletion, Omit” and tax on land and building.
While awaiting the Supreme Court verdict, the meeting appreciated the knowledge of the government, tribal hohos, women organizations, student bodies and various political parties for acceptance of the resolution to go ahead for election to ULB with the newly drafted Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023.