Naga Hoho on Monday said it was compelled to react to the statement made by NPCC, published in the local dailies with regard to 33% women reservation in Urban Local Bodies/Town Council.
Naga Hoho communication cell in a press note said that it took note of NPCC’s statement questioning “some civil societies who have no accountability towards the people they claim to represent”. Making its stand clear, Naga Hoho said “we are an organization with the mandate and support of our respective tribe hohos and not attached to any political party. Therefore, the question is– who represents the masses, Naga Hoho or NPCC media cell?”
“Does the author of “NPCC welcomes ULBs elections” have the people’s mandate or accountability?” Naga Hoho questioned. As traditional and social organization, the hoho said it was unequivocally clear that the Municipal Act was in contravention with the traditional and customary usages of the Nagas, enshrined under Art. 371(A) of the Indian constitution. “It is therefore our bounden duty to safeguard the rights of the Nagas”, Naga Hoho added.
The hoho further made it clear that “they had no objection for exhibiting one’s desire and interest in a democratic society towards one of the contentious issues pertaining to “Municipal Act” vis-à-vis 33% women Reservation under ULBs elections”.
However, Naga Hoho reminded that the hoho along with various tribe hohos had spearheaded the movement and pleaded before the state government for review of Municipal Act of 2001 & 2006, saying “it directly linked with the rights given to the Naga people under Art.371(A).”
Earlier, NPCC, without naming any organization said “it will be a litmus test for chief minister T.R. Zeliang and his government as to whether they can really assert their authority in implementing this 33% women reservation in ULBs or once again succumb to the pressures of some civil societies who have no accountability towards the people they claim to represent.