Nagas burn government offices, torch vehicles in Nagaland
Nagaland CM TR Zeliang's refusal to resign led to the Kohima Municipal Council office and the office of the Directorate of Transport being set on fire by Nagas. The protesters vandalized and burnt public property and cars. The protesters had gathered outside the CM's house carrying the bodies of the two people killed in police firing in Dimapur.
33% reservation for women in Nagaland municipal bodies
In August 2011, the Nagaland Government ruled to conduct "elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 by granting 33% women reservation." The move was widely contested by various Naga groups who claimed that "The Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution empowers the Naga people to decide their own laws" and that the CM could not impose the reservation.
What is Article 371(A)?
Article 371(A), provides "special provision" saying no Act of Parliament in respect of religious/social practices of the Nagas, Naga customs, administration of civil and criminal justice, etc., shall apply to the State of Nagaland unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides.
Nagas to boycott local body elections
The 1 February elections to the urban local bodies in Nagaland seemed difficult as tribal bodies including the Naga Hoho opposed 33% reservation of women to the local bodies. The Nagas contended that the government was infringing upon Naga customary laws and customs as preserved under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
Nagaland shutdown: Government decides to go ahead with the elections
The Naga tribal groups called for a Nagaland shutdown over the state government's decision to go ahead with Urban Local Bodies election. The tribal organizations had demanded it gets postponed until the Municipal Act was reviewed. The state government placed police personnel across Dimapur district to handle any kind of unforseen situation during the bandh period.
2 killed as police and Nagas clash over elections
Nagaland's municipal elections have cast a grim shadow on the state with 2 Naga deaths in Dimapur. The Naga protestors were shot at after they forcefully tried to enter the residence of CM TR Zeliang. The government cut mobile internet services in the state for an indefinite period. While the state government had called to postpone the elections, the Guwahati HC ordered against it.
Nagas burn government offices, torch vehicles in Nagaland
Nagaland CM TR Zeliang's refusal to resign led to the Kohima Municipal Council office and the office of the Directorate of Transport being set on fire by Nagas. The protesters vandalized and burnt public property and cars. The protesters had gathered outside the CM's house carrying the bodies of the two people killed in police firing in Dimapur.
Protesters call for bandh in Nagaland
Naga protesters have demanded the resignation of CM T. R. Zeliang and his Cabinet, threatening to impose a bandh against government offices and vehicles. The groups said they were not against women voting but were only opposed to the quota. However, the situation in the state remained peaceful. The demands come on the heels of the government calling off elections to urban local bodies.
Nagaland pressurises Centre to revisit schedule IX-A
Nagaland cabinet has decided to up the pressure on the Centre for revisiting schedule IX-A, which deals with municipalities. Agitated tribal bodies, however, deemed the same as a sell-out of Article 371(A), which accords special provisions to Nagaland. A statement issued by the media cell of T.R. Zeliang (Nagaland's CM) said that the government will submit a memorandum to the PM regarding the same.
