Ex-MLA SI Jamir urges inclusive representation in MMC

Expressing concern over a report by the Mokokchung Times in an article titled, “Will a nominee seat be offered to minority community in Mokokchung Municipal Council?” former Vice Chairman of Mokokchung Town Council and ex-MLA, SI Jamir, through a statement has expressed his views over representation in the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC).

The aforementioned article detailed efforts by the Sumi Hoho Mokokchung and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Mokokchung to secure nominee seats in the MMC for their communities. Despite their appeal, the Ao Senden reportedly declined to support these nominations. Jamir noted that the article did not provide reasons for this decision.

Jamir pointed out that the Ao Senden’s jurisdiction does not extend into the actual legal authority or processes under the Nagaland Municipal Act. He emphasized that the Nagaland Municipal Act, enacted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, operates within the framework of state law and does not contravene Article 371(A) or infringe on Naga customary laws.

According to Jamir, Article 10, Clause (3) of the NMA provides for the nomination of members with “special knowledge or experiences in Municipal Administration,” without specifying any particular minority status. He explained, “It does not mention “minority” but is also quiet about it. So legally it means anyone who is an indigenous or permanent citizen of Nagaland. So any permanent settlers of Mokokchung with a Permanent settler certificate are eligible under the NMA. So a non Ao can be nominated to a seat to the MMC so long as he qualifies to the criteria mentioned.”

This, Jamir said, will also extend to the Dimapur or Kohima Municipal Councils and others.

Jamir appealed to the Government stating, “Nagaland State is a Secular state. But we have minority tribes such as the Kukis, Garos and Kacharis in the Scheduled List of Tribes of Nagaland State. In Dimapur town we also have permanent non Naga settlers. All of them are citizens of Nagaland. As long as any member of these minority groups fulfill the criteria, they can be nominated as Members in the ULBs”.

Jamir stressed the significant contributions of non-Naga permanent settlers in Mokokchung, Dimapur, and other areas to the development of Nagaland. He urged the Government to consider nominating prominent leaders from these communities to ensure a more inclusive and secular representation in local governance.

“Having a non-Ao nominated member in the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) and a non-Naga nominated member in the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) will bring credibility and inclusiveness,” said Jamir.

Jamir, who served as the Vice Chairman of Mokokchung Town Council way back in the late 60s and early 70s stated, “I remember that we had a lot of families from Sumi and Eastern Naga tribes during our days. They all were more or less permanent settlers in Mokokchung. Some notable leaders were Kheloshe Sema and Imlong Chang. Many more were there.”

MT