Traditional tribal bodies threaten to boycott Nagaland civic polls

The traditional tribal bodies have threatened to boycott the civic polls in Nagaland unless the government guarantees that reserving 33% of the seats would not violate the provisions of Article 371A of the Constitution of India. Describing the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 as a “borrowed” piece of legislation, the Hohos said any part or Section of this Act infringing upon the provisions of Article 371A should be overhauled “in complete consonance with the voices of the Naga people.” The Hohos said the reservation of the office of the ULB chairperson for women would deprive the rightful candidate and was thus unacceptable. The Hohos asked the government to give a guarantee to the people of Nagaland that the reservation of 33% of the seats for women would not violate the provisions of Article 371A. Threatening to boycott the polls if the government goes ahead with the ULB polls without fulfilling the demands, the Hohos said action would be taken against anyone found violating their resolutions.