Morung Express News
Kohima | November 22
Close on the heels of the Municipal Wards of Kohima, Mokokchung and Dimapur, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has also out rightly rejected the November 18 notification issued by the State Government for nomination of ULB Advisory Council.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan, Kohima on November 22, Nagaland Congress President, K Therie said NPCC has decided to protect and reject the notification as it is in complete violation of the Municipal Act and inconsistent with the basic structures that have been laid down.
Stating that the matter is still pending in the Supreme Court, Therie questioned “we don’t understand in what manner the State Government is overriding the court when the matter is subjudice.”
While extending its support to the All Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF), Therie said “we have the same objective and we stand with them.”
Validating their stand, the President said “provision for nomination is not provided in the Municipal Act unless there is election; only when there is election 1/3rd of the elected members can be nominated by the government but without having election, they cannot nominate.”
Stating that NPCC has decided to protest, reject and raise its voice against the notification, he maintained “the State Government cannot turn the Municipal Act to dictate people for a petty small fund.”
Working President, Khriedi Theünuo said that the matter is pending in the court, citing the special lift petition no 26794/2012 and civil appeal no 3607/2016 filed by the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA). He informed that while the NMA had withdrawn the case, the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) came forward to be the petitioner and is pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court.
The NPCC President meanwhile stated that while the party has no objection to the Act, the government cannot just nominate and run the affairs of the people without first amending and improving the Act.
“When you are to run the affairs of the people, it has to be represented by the elected people. Without election the question of nomination doesn’t arise” stated Therie and said that if the State Government goes ahead with this decision, it will invite contempt of court.
Tobu ULB candidates files complaint
Meanwhile, candidates of the 2017 Urban Local Body (ULB) elections held in 2017 have filed a complaint to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tobu expressing opposition to the Nagaland Government’s move to appoint an advisory council.
The complaint application, filed by YC Langsao and L Kaiba reminded that as per the order of the State Election Commission of Nagaland regarding the ULB Election; along with the rest of the State, Tobu Town Council poll was conducted peacefully on February 1, 2017 with 33% reservation for women candidates. “Some of the candidates were selected unopposed whereas some candidates went for poll,” it stated.
It informed that following the State Government’s order withholding the ULB polls, all the ballot boxes of the candidates kept in the strong room at the ADC’s office Tobu was shifted to Tobu Police Station for safe custody.
Till date ballot boxes are lying unattended at Tobu Police Station, it was stated. “Huge amount has been expended by the candidates during the ULB election. Who will repay the expenditure to the candidates?” the application questioned.
The candidates therefore resolved to oppose the order issued by the Municipal Affairs Department on November 18, 2021 for appointment of advisory council members.
“No such appointment will be made to Tobu Town Council until and unless the counting of votes from the ballot boxes,” it added.
