‘All we want is an ethical leader’

Naga women demand for justice and ethical leadership

Dimapur, March 20 (MExN): Naga woman leaders today called out for justice and demanded ethical leadership and transparency in the workings within the Naga Women Hoho. Terming this ‘standing for my right’, former Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) president Tiala Sapuh called for a press meet today at her private residence at Chakhesang Colony, Dimapur. The press meet was supported by women members of nine tribal units of the NWH, namely Chakhesang, Zeme, Poumei, Pochury, Tangkhul, Mao, Anal, Rongmei and Liangmai.  The women leaders present stated that “they have nothing to hide” and “that is why we feel free to issue this in the press”. It was asserted that the meet was held not for individual interests, but for the voice of the “suppressed and the oppressed” to be heard and for the public to know the real truth. “It is for the cause of all women,” said Sapuh. 

The women leaders in the meet alleged that former Naga Women Hoho president Hukheli T. Wotsa failed to be transparent and accountable as a leader. Hukheli T. Wotsa served as president from 23rd June 2007 till 23rd June 2012. The NWHD is now defunct. It was also claimed that there has been no transparency in office bearers under Wotsa’s leadership. Sapuh stated that there was no yearly audit and annual session even once in the five years Wotsa held the post. It further alleged that during the former Naga Women Hoho president’s leadership “tribalism and divisions” were created. 

Supporting this claim, Sapuh said that on March 16, 2012 the former NWHD president had submitted a list of eight names of women candidates belonging to “majority Naga tribes only” for Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) election to the Convener of Joint Action Committee for Women’s Reservation (JACWR), at Kohima. Sapuh stated that there were more than 14 applicants from different tribes in Dimapur District who submitted their applications to the NWHD for screening but without a screening process and without the knowledge of the House, Wotsa deliberately left out the rest of the applications. 

Further, Sapuh cited another instance where the Directorate of Women Development issued invitation of fresh applications for 2009-2010 to assist the Department in implementation of different projects. It was claimed that without the knowledge of the office bearers some fresh applications were dropped out, which were those of women from minority tribes. 

Sapuh also stated that on July 10, 2012 a Search Committee was constituted, for which the former NWHD president was selected for the post of president. This selection was turned down by a majority of the House, resulting in its division.

It was also said that without any consultation, this issue was dragged to the Naga Council “which is questionable and not proper” and added that the House had not approached Naga Council for intervention and that “the Naga Council has their own responsibility in their own affairs”. It would have been a different case if the Council had been officially approached by the House.  In this connection, it was said the Naga Council had called for a meeting on November 23, 2012 at Unity Hall. Sapuh stated that “some members of the Naga Council” rained verbal abuse and also made threats to her and a colleague. “This is what we had to go through just because we stood for justice and the voice of Naga women,” she said. 

Sapuh reiterated that the women members were against the report of the search committee. The group also made it clear those leaders with “isms and unethical qualities” will not be tolerated and that the Hoho wants to function for society and for all women. “We want qualified, truthful leaders. Those who have misunderstood us and the men folk we want them to know that all we want is an ethical leader,” she said. She stated that the NWHD members were ready to forgive and forget, but the Hoho has to start with fresh members.