Advocate-General Nagaland, K.N. Balgopal gave a brief explanation and appraised the members of the 14th NLA on the Nagaland Municipal Amendment Act and the views of the Supreme Court on the floor of the house. He highlighted the provisions enshrined in the constitution pertaining to the Municipal Act and minutely elaborated the views and opinions of the Supreme Court in this regard vis-a-vis the implications and difficulties confronted by the state government in conducting the ULB elections.

Minister, Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye initiated the discussion on matters of urgent public importance pertaining to the Urban Local Bodies issue which was supported by MLA, Namri Nchang and seconded by Advisor, Kropol Vitsu.

Kenye remarked that the ULB issue is an ongoing issue confronting the Nagas for three decades. He gave gratitude to the predecessors of the house for trying to solve the problem in search of development. Since special provisions have been provided to us through Article 371(A) unfortunately it has been overlooked and that the house have not seriously not deliberated on this Act. As the Act of parliament cannot be segregated, without realising it, successive governments tried to fulfil the aspirations of the people. Some proposals were rectified but the principles of the act could not be touched. A serious review has to be done on the Act he opined. Basing on Article 371(A) he said that it will be best to have our own system to regulate in line with the Act. He said that women in Naga society are regarded as peacemakers in our society and privileges are accorded to them and so reservations impact our Naga social practices. 

He further urged that it will be better to leave it to us to frame our own system in line with what is being laid down in the Act, citing example of the Ministry of Rural Development on which they have allowed the local bodies to go hand in hand with its laws and our Naga customary practices and systems and that liberty should be allowed with the Urban Local bodies as well, an Act framed by the Nagaland Government. In conclusion he pleaded the house to take consideration in repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act to suit with our existing social practices.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge for Planning and Transformation, participating in the discussion stated that there it was on the wrong footing while passing the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001.

He highlighted the whole scenario in chronological order on the proposed ULB elections, the civil society’s disagreement to conduct the said election with 33% Women reservation and the Tax on land and buildings. He also highlighted in the events that followed the escalation of the law and order situation which caused loss of precious lives and damage of many government properties. He basing on the events supported the move to repeal Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001.

MLA, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu discussing on the Urban Local Bodies issue highlighted on the 2017 ULB election imbroglio. While extending his support for repeal of Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, he called for enactment of an Act in consonance with the Naga customary and social practices. 

Advisor, Tribal Affairs, H Tovihoto Ayemi; Advisor Land Resources, G. Ikuto Zhimomi; MLAs, Nuklutoshi, Naiba Konyak, Limaonen Chang, Jwenga Seb, Dr. Neisatuo Mero, P. Longan on behalf of MLA, Namri Nchang also spoke and shared their desire for repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001.

Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio participating in the discussion on matters of urgent public importance stated that the elected members have to listen to the voice of the people and should not go against their wish. He highlighted on the series of events that had happened with regard to the conduct of ULB election. He stated that in spite of consultative meetings, there is stiff opposition from various sections of the society. He also shed a light on the various demands made by tribal Hohos and other organizations. 

Rio called for proper dialogue with all interest parties so that elections can be held with effective participation of the people. He also called for consideration for repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 in toto and move expeditiously for making a new Act keeping in mind the special privileges of the people of Nagaland in term of Article 371(A) of the Constitution. 

(Gaizam, Nongozo, Wepre, Thungti Chang, Avika & Tiakumla)