KOHIMA: As the civic body elections loom on the horizon in Nagaland, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has intensified its call for indigenous representation, aiming to safeguard the interests and aspirations of the indigenous Naga populace.
The federation has appealed to the people to ensure that the voices of the Naga people are not only heard but also authentically reflected in decision-making processes.
Central to the NSF’s advocacy is the recognition of municipal polls as crucial platforms for promoting local governance and spearheading development initiatives within urban areas.
The federation highlighted that this advocacy surpasses mere participation and stresses on the critical need for exclusive indigenous representation in these electoral contests.
The NSF staunchly asserts that the upcoming urban local body (ULB) elections should be reserved solely for indigenous Naga individuals, delineated as “Nagas by blood, not by adoption”.
Advocating for the exclusion of Naga women married to non-locals, along with their offspring, from contesting in these elections, the student body argued that this measure is essential to preserve the essence of Naga identity in decision-making processes at the local level.
“It is through such concerted efforts that we can ensure the authentic articulation of the Naga people’s aspirations and interests,” remarked the federation.
As custodians of Naga interests, the NSF reiterated its unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity, equality, and the preservation of indigenous rights across all governance spheres.
On April 27, the Nagaland Cabinet made a significant announcement, approving the reservation of 33% of seats for women in the upcoming local body polls.
Scheduled for June 26, these elections will mark the first time in the state’s history that municipal elections include a quota for women. The previous Urban Local Body (ULB) polls took place in 2004.
The Municipal Affairs Department of Nagaland stated that the State Election Commission has ratified the election schedule. This schedule adheres to the Nagaland Municipal Act of 2023, which mandates the rotation of reserved wards for women.
