Mokokchung, May 27: As the date for the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections approaches, Arenmongla, a veteran political leader in Mokokchung district, has declared her candidature for the forthcoming Municipal elections from Kumlong Ward No. 7 (reserved for women) in Mokokchung town. Kumlong is one of the wards reserved for women, along with Alempang, Artang, Sungkomen, Penli, and Marepkong wards.
Fifty-three-year-old Arenmongla (also popularly known as Arenla Pongen) is a mother of two adult children – a son and a daughter. She was born and brought up in Kumlong Ward, Mokokchung, and has lived in the colony all her life. She hails from Mongchen village and is married to Imtiangshi from Waromung village.
Arenmongla’s political orientation is towards Naga conservation regional politics, and she has been an active regional party leader since 2003. She joined the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in 2018 and aspires to contest the ULB elections on the NDPP ticket, actively pursuing the same from the party high command.
Regarding the forthcoming ULB election, Arenmongla has been preparing to contest the Municipal election if Kumlong Ward No. 7 fell under women’s reservation. As the Kumlong constituency was reserved for women, she feels that it is a God-given opportunity to contest and serve the people as a Municipal Councilor.
“For the past twenty-one years, I have been in active politics. Throughout those years, through rain and shine, through thirst and hunger, in good and bad times, I have always been with the people as a public leader. Perhaps, being in public life, in politics, is a God’s calling for me, and through His blessings and with the support of the electorates, I want to serve the people more as a Municipal Councilor,” says Arenmongla.
She says that this Municipal election is one of the most important elections for the people of Nagaland as it would enable the people to undertake developmental work at the grassroots level by making their own decisions. She promises to work hand-in-hand with her male colleagues, participate in healthy debates in the Council, collectively pursue developmental funds from different quarters, and ensure a just and harmonious society.
Her campaign slogan for the election is ‘For Peace, Development, and Harmony’ and she has compiled an elaborate manifesto based on that slogan. Arenmongla appeals to the electorates of Kumlong Ward No. 7 to kindly vote for her and give her the opportunity to serve them as their elected Councilor in the Municipal Council.