Dimapur, March 17 (MExN): The Naga Hoho has said it would be submitting ‘a representation’ to the Chief Minister of Nagaland “for necessary amendment” of the Reservation for Women Act during the ongoing budget session.
The Naga Hoho informed yesterday that a consultative meeting of the Naga Hoho and Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization was held today at Hotel Japfu in Kohima to deliberate on “the implications of Nagaland Municipal and Town Council Act-2001 vis-à-vis 33% Women Reservation” in Nagaland. The meeting was attended by leaders of the ENPO and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation, Ao Senden, Angami Public Organization, Chakhesang Public Organization, Kyong Hoho, Sumi Hoho, Nagaland GBs Federation and Nagaland DBs Association.
“The meeting asserted that the Act itself has got flaws and beyond the perimeter of Art.371 (A) of Indian Constitution. It is also felt that it was ridiculous to impose such laws upon the Nagas when the political parties in India are yet to introduce such Bills in the Parliament. Most importantly, this Act is quite detrimental to the sanctity of traditional land holding system and customary laws,” the Naga Hoho said in a communiqué received here today. The note was appended by general secretary P Chuba Ozukum.
Further, the ‘hoho’ said, the government of the day had protected the rights of the Naga people over land and its natural resources as enshrined under Art.371 (A) of the Indian Constitution, for which the same yardstick in regards to 33% women reservation should be applied under the same provision.
“Under these circumstances, the meeting unanimously resolved to submit a representation to the honorable chief minister for necessary Amendment of the said Act during the ongoing Budget Session and appeal to the principal high court against the judgment of Guwahati High Court at the earliest,” the note stated.
