Lok Sabha MP and former chief minister Neiphiu Rio has drawn attention to the state government’s announcement to hold elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and the resentment and opposition to 33% women reservation by Naga hoho, tribal hohos, civil societies, mass-based organisations and NGOs who felt it went against the spirit or Article 371A even as the case was yet to be resolved by the Supreme Court.
In a press statement, Rio said since the contentious issue has the state government and people moving in different directions, he felt the need to appeal to all sections to come together to a meeting point so that society could move ahead in unity.
Rio felt that Nagas in general were not against empowerment of women bur rather held them with utmost respect. He said in order for women to play a participatory and contributory role in decision and policy implementation process in contemporary society, Naga society also ought to adapt to changing trends.
Rio urged against undermining tribal hohos and mass-based civil societies who objected to holding civic polls with women reservation in view special protection accorded to people of Nagaland by parliament in Article 371A, which could be impinged upon and its special protection over ridden.
The MP recalled that the chairman and members of the Assembly Select Committee, in their recommendation to the state assembly (in 2012), observed that implementation of women’s reservation would impinge upon Article 371A.
He pointed out the fact that tribal hohos, mass-based organisations and civil societies “are the guardians of our traditions, customs and rich cultural heritage” and therefore, their roles and contributions to society should be respected and honoured.
He reminded that the special provision in the constitution of India for citizens of Nagaland was “hard earned” and came at the cost of blood and tears of Naga people which should never be jeopardised in any manner. Instead, he urged all sections of Nagas, irrespective of affiliations to work together to strengthen this special protection for the sake of the present and future generations.
Towards achieving a resolution to the issue, Rio said the state government should take the confidence of the hohos, mass-based organisations, traditional institutions and women’s group to review the September 22, 2012 assembly resolution and incorporate other concerns raised by tribal hohos. He said an amicable and mutually acceptable “out of court settlement” could be worked out in line with the Naga traditional way for resolving issues and then “pass out own act as stated in the Assembly resolution of 22nd Sept.2012”.
Rio reminded that tradition and culture “are never constant” but undergo changes and likewise, Nagas should also adapt to the changes and move in tune with the global community.
He made an earnest appeal to tribal leaders and stakeholders to “initiate a process” where a formula could be made to accommodate women representatives in policy and decision making such as in civic bodies.
Rio said this would pave way for Nagas culture and tradition adapt to changing times in order to advance and overcome the present crisis in a spirit of understanding but not through imposition. Such an achievement would also create a positive image of Naga society and also send out the right message that Nagas were willing to embrace change.
Rio also reminded that when he was chief minister, the decision against implementing women reservation in civic bodies was taken through an assembly resolution (2012), after strong resistance from tribal hohos, civil society groups, NGOs etc.
He said all legislators then were given equal opportunity to express their opinions and views which the Select Committee submitted in its recommendations. The recommendations were then deliberated and discussed after which the assembly passed the unanimous resolution, he said.
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