Addressing a series of consultative meetings on Tuesday, 28 May, in Artang and Kumlong wards of Mokokchung town, Watsü Supongla Lemtur, while appreciating and cherishing the opportunity provided by the 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland, recounted the arduous journey of women in attaining the reservation quota.
The meetings were an initiative of Watsü Mungdang, held with the candidates from the wards reserved for women for the upcoming ULB elections in Mokokchung town.
Lemtur, who was heading the Watsü Mungdang as the president back then, recalled how it all began in July 2008.
“In July 2008, the committee of the Legislature announced the 33% reservation of seats for women in ULBs. With the announcement, the higher-ups suggested that the implementation of the 33% women reservation for ULBs begin in Mokokchung district, being a pioneering district. This was conveyed through a telephonic conversation initially, but within 2-3 days, we received a letter as well stating that it would begin in Mokokchung on a trial basis,” Lemtur narrated.
“We were confused about what to do with it, so we arranged a meeting with the executives and the senior members of the Watsü Mungdang. We deliberated a lot on how to proceed. In the meantime, we were also receiving calls from Kohima as well as legislators stating that no matter what, we should involve ourselves in the 33% reservation and must begin in Mokokchung,” continued Lemtur.
“And so, after much deliberation, we decided that at least we should acknowledge the opportunity provided to us and ended up writing an acknowledgment letter.”
However, according to Lemtur, unfortunately, through this acknowledgment letter, many organizations, which were largely dominated by men, began opposing them asking them to withdraw their acknowledgment letter.
“This lead to an uncomfortable situation between the two genders. In fact, the situation became so uncomfortable that we could not even face each other like we used to. It was as if we had wronged each other,” she added.
According to Lemtur, it became so uncomfortable that they could not hold meetings in the Watsü Mungdang office as they shared the same building with the Ao Senden and AKM at that time.
“Therefore, we used to hold meetings at our private residences,” she said.
During this time, Lemtur regrettably recalled how there were instances when stones and empty bottles were thrown at them during meetings.
“At times, we even had to cover our faces as if we had done something wrong while meeting our advocates to seek wisdom. We used to even feel uncomfortable sitting in our own vehicles,” she recalled.
However, Lemtur said, one firm stand that the women took back then was, “The 33% reservation was not demanded by women. It was given by the government to the women, saying, this is your share. And, therefore, we found it wrong to say, no, we will not accept it or withdraw our acknowledgment letter.”
“This was the firm stand we took back then, and with that same understanding, today, we are getting to witness women’s participation in the 33% reservation,” she added.