Govt to re-write Municipal Act: CM

Nagaland chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on Thursday informed that the state government was contemplating to amend the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) in order to allow smooth conduct of Urban Local Bodies elections.
Speaking at the laying of foundation stone for the new building of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) building at Kezieke as chief guest, Dr. Liezietsu said Nagaland alone could not be exempted or escape from the Municipal Act with women reservation, since it was passed by the Parliament (94th Amendment) in the early 1990s.
However, he said since various civil societies were opposed to the present Nagaland Municipal Act, the government was ready to re-amend the Act.
Though people expect many developmental activities from the government, he said unless there is peace in the society, there cannot be any development. In this regard, Dr. Liezietsu called upon the people to maintain peace and march together to develop Nagaland. He lamented that Kohima town which was 138 years old, since the time Britishers had occupied it in 1878, was supposed to be developed. However, Dr. Liezietsu was optimistic that the KMC, with its new office, would be able to function and deliver to the people.
He also assured that the state government would extent all possible assistance to construct the KMC building at the earliest.
Liezietsu said KMC spot would be an important area for all kinds of developmental activities in future.
Parliamentary secretary Municipal Affairs, R. Tohanba in his brief address lauded the chief minister for taking the initiative to construct the new office complex.
KMC administrator, Kethosituo Sekhose who delivered the introductory note, expressed  gratefulness to the state government and the civil society for extending help in setting up the new location for the KMC to function at URA Academy. He also thanked the state government for prompt action in locating and availing the new permanent site for the KMC building.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan IAS, while Rev. Moa Longchari senior Pastor BMC invoked God’s blessing.
It may be mentioned that the NPF Central Executive Council had a passed a resolution on Wednesday urging the state government to set up Advisory Committees in the ULBs so that the affairs of the ULBs could be handled by local leaders.