Mokokchung, 26 August (MTNews): The Government of Nagaland has announced its plan to convene a crucial consultative meeting on 1 September 2023, with apex tribal hohos and three other inter-tribal organizations. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) issue. This significant development was communicated through an official notification issued by the state’s home department, dated 24 August, 2023.
The consultative meeting is scheduled to take place at the State Banquet Hall within the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima. The proceedings are set to begin at 11 am. In addition to addressing the ULB issue, the meeting agenda includes comprehensive briefings on two other important subjects: the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2023.
According to the notification, all 19 apex tribal bodies have been requested to be present at the meeting, each represented by their respective president along with two additional representatives.
The hohos are Angami Public Organisation; Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Chang KhuleiSetsang, Nagaland Garo Tribal Council, Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland, Karbi (Mikir) Union Nagaland, Konyak Union, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Kuki Inpi (Nagaland), Lotha Hoho, Phom Peoples’ Council, Pochury Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Sumi Hoho, Tikhir Tribal Council, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, Yimkhiung Tribal Council, and Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organization.
In addition to these apex tribal hohos, the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, and Tenyimi Union Nagaland have also been extended invitations. Each of these organizations are expected to be represented by four delegates at the meeting.
It’s important to note that the ULB issue is currently under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, with a further hearing scheduled for 26 September. To address this contentious issue, the Nagaland government had previously established a panel in April. This panel was tasked with engaging various segments of Naga society to formulate a new municipal law that respects local customary and social practices.
This upcoming consultative meeting marks the second time the State Government has called for a joint assembly to discuss the ULB issue since the repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001. The previous joint meeting had taken place on 9 May.