Barely five days after the Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed the Nagaland Municipal Bill 2023, earmarking 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies (ULBs), the Neiphiu Rio-led ruling NDPP wasted no time in translating legislative triumph into political action. The party’s first stop? Mokokchung.
The NDPP orchestrated a strategic move with a ‘Seminar’ organized by the Women Organization of NDPP Mokokchung Region under the theme ‘Role of Women in Politics’ which also coincided with its annual general meeting. The event, held on Tuesday at the NDPP Mokokchung Region Office, featured ex-MLA & Vice President, NDPP Nagaland, R Lepden Longkumer as the resource person.
Longkumer, in his impassioned speech, not only hailed the recent legislation as the “fulfillment of its commitment to gender equality” but also subtly launched what seems to be the beginning of a calculated campaign.
Encouraging capable women to stand for the Mokokchung Municipal Council elections from every ward, Longkumer urged the female electorate to “elect noble and able leaders.” He emphasized that the progress of Nagaland hinges on achieving gender parity in politics, citing the recent 33% Women Reservation Bill as a step in the right direction.
The ex-MLA delved into historical perspectives, acknowledging that while men traditionally dominated ancestral village republics, women played pivotal roles in decision-making by guiding the male populace. Drawing parallels to the present day, he asserted that women continue to dominate various fields of life, citing the examples of the two female representatives in the current Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Mokokchung Town, with its 18 wards, is set to reserve six seats for women. The probable wards that will be reserved for women, as per earlier notifications, are Arkong, Dilong, Majakong, Salangtem,Yimyu and Lijabalijen.
During the event, short speeches were delivered by NDPP Mokokchung Region President, Mangyangnungba, and NDPP Mokokchung Region Women Organization, Vice-president, Senlemtola; while the welcome address was said by NDDP Mokokchung Region Women Organisation President, Arenla Pongen.
The function was chaired by General Secretary (Admn) Tiasangla and invocation by Secretary, Kilenremla while a special song was presented by NDDP Women Organisation Mokokchung Region.