Dimapur, July 6 (MExN): It was definitely News when the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) issued a resolution directing all women (‘young and old’) to dress “modestly and decently” with warning that it will take suitable action if any wore “indecent dress”. The women group has adopted a set of resolutions at an emergency meeting held on July 3. The resolution, although failing to define what “indecent dressing” actually is, would be implemented “strictly” from August 1.
The NWHD stated that it adopted the resolutions following its decision to play “a role to combat such social evil in the society.” The NWHD also banned the sale of pornographic films and Korean movies. It further directed that if any private company/organization/agency etc from other state is recruiting female candidates to be employed outside Nagaland, the candidate, who is a bona fide residence of Dimapur, should inform the NWHD.
“It is time to change,” stated NWHD president Hukheli T. Wotsa. Speaking to The Morung Express, she claimed that time and again, NWHD have been receiving ‘complaints from many mothers, and even men that young Naga girls are dressing very provocatively even to weddings and church’. She informed that from August 1st, the rule will be implemented strictly. It was also stated that NWHD has informed all its executives and tribal units to take up the resolutions and also to warn women not to dress provocatively.
Explaining the procedure, Hukheli stated that any person found violating the resolution (be it indecent dressing, sale of Korean DVDs or Pornography) he will be approached and warned first. Also, their personal information and address details will be taken down, if found again, the said person will be fined. The amount however was not mentioned. Then if still found in violation, extreme measure will be taken up. When Hukheli was questioned on what extreme measures NWHD would take, she said that another sitting with members of the NWHD has to be taken, to discuss the matter.
When NWHD president was asked on the feedback received from people regarding the resolution, she claimed that the response was ‘extremely positive’. She said that youth leaders, many women and mothers, and even men have stated happiness on their taking this step. She revealed that NWHD will be conducting surprise checking in shops selling these Korean DVDS.
Hukheli further stated that the NWHD is compelled to take this step, and added, “We are doing this for their own good”. In response to the resolution of the NWHD, many Naga youngsters, working professionals and intellectuals were of the opinion that the NWHD were embarking on “Moral-policing”.
Several networking sites were flooded with comments regarding the resolutions. A youngster commented that the intention of the NWHD was sincere, but surely mistaken. Another termed it as simply absurd. While a third said that nobody has the right and the power to tell others what to do and what not to. “Maybe these unions/bodies and organizations can clamp down on shops and cyber cafes selling pornographic materials etc, but it is just plain ridiculous to have people walking around and assessing what’s decent or indecent.”
Meanwhile, when The Morung Express contacted Additional CS and Commissioner, Banuo Z. Jamir, she stated that it would be unwise for anybody to comment right now, unless both sides i.e the NWHD and the public’s opinion are heard. “The reaction is too early,” she stated and added that the issue needs to be debated and discussed before the rule is actually implemented. The NWHD also needs to define clearly what they mean by “Indecent dressing”, she said.
The NWHD stated that it adopted the resolutions following its decision to play “a role to combat such social evil in the society.” The NWHD also banned the sale of pornographic films and Korean movies. It further directed that if any private company/organization/agency etc from other state is recruiting female candidates to be employed outside Nagaland, the candidate, who is a bona fide residence of Dimapur, should inform the NWHD.
“It is time to change,” stated NWHD president Hukheli T. Wotsa. Speaking to The Morung Express, she claimed that time and again, NWHD have been receiving ‘complaints from many mothers, and even men that young Naga girls are dressing very provocatively even to weddings and church’. She informed that from August 1st, the rule will be implemented strictly. It was also stated that NWHD has informed all its executives and tribal units to take up the resolutions and also to warn women not to dress provocatively.
Explaining the procedure, Hukheli stated that any person found violating the resolution (be it indecent dressing, sale of Korean DVDs or Pornography) he will be approached and warned first. Also, their personal information and address details will be taken down, if found again, the said person will be fined. The amount however was not mentioned. Then if still found in violation, extreme measure will be taken up. When Hukheli was questioned on what extreme measures NWHD would take, she said that another sitting with members of the NWHD has to be taken, to discuss the matter.
When NWHD president was asked on the feedback received from people regarding the resolution, she claimed that the response was ‘extremely positive’. She said that youth leaders, many women and mothers, and even men have stated happiness on their taking this step. She revealed that NWHD will be conducting surprise checking in shops selling these Korean DVDS.
Hukheli further stated that the NWHD is compelled to take this step, and added, “We are doing this for their own good”. In response to the resolution of the NWHD, many Naga youngsters, working professionals and intellectuals were of the opinion that the NWHD were embarking on “Moral-policing”.
Several networking sites were flooded with comments regarding the resolutions. A youngster commented that the intention of the NWHD was sincere, but surely mistaken. Another termed it as simply absurd. While a third said that nobody has the right and the power to tell others what to do and what not to. “Maybe these unions/bodies and organizations can clamp down on shops and cyber cafes selling pornographic materials etc, but it is just plain ridiculous to have people walking around and assessing what’s decent or indecent.”
Meanwhile, when The Morung Express contacted Additional CS and Commissioner, Banuo Z. Jamir, she stated that it would be unwise for anybody to comment right now, unless both sides i.e the NWHD and the public’s opinion are heard. “The reaction is too early,” she stated and added that the issue needs to be debated and discussed before the rule is actually implemented. The NWHD also needs to define clearly what they mean by “Indecent dressing”, she said.
