Thomas
NNC Member
Regarding the 33% women reservation, I have come across all the articles released by individual and organizational and have perceivedthem to be debating on not to allow the Naga women to contest in the election or to allow them. That is my comprehension from the reading of the articles.
My opinion on this matter is, the idea, the Indian Law should not be applied in Nagalandis correct; such as the reservation of 33% for women.However, opposing the Indian law, men should not hinder the right of women to become a leader and let not women try to become a leader based on Indian Law (33% reservation). If the women are attempting to contest the election based on it, then they become not equal with men according our customary Law. My suggestion is therefore, the Nagas should not talk of India Law 33% reservation, but women should not be denied or hindered to contest leadership.Instead, let them have opportunity to contest for leadership according to their ability. Our customary law did not prohibit women to become a leader, but only to the ritual place they were not allowed to enter.
In 1960-970s the Eastern Nagas have a strong woman leader namely Mrs. Skawm (known as Daw Skawm) a Lainong Naga in Khamti. She was highly respected by the Nagas as well as by the Burma leaders. She was illiterate, yet has a capability of leadership and ability to speak for the Nagas with the Burman leaders and worked for the Naga people as she lived. (Daw is Mrs. in Burmese).
We have to encourage the women to become leaders and let them work for the interest of Naga people. We have a woman leader in the NNC, Ms. AdinnoPhizo, President of the NNC.The Naga women should not therefore think themselves as they are marginalized by men, and should not talk of Indian Law as though it is the only means for them to fight for their leadership.Without applying Indian Law or Burma, we can have women leadership and woman can become a leader among men. This principle should apply in Nagaland.
