Nagaland: 3 Municipal Councils, Town Councils to boycott Urban Local Body polls

Even as the three Municipal Councils–Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) in Nagaland along with the 36 Town Councils had resolved not to participate in the ensuing Urban Local Body (ULB) polls, the Government of Nagaland has stood firm on its decision to conduct the ULB elections.

The 60 elected members held an informal discussion on the polls after the Assembly session at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly conference room in Kohima.

Advisor to Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, speaking to media persons maintained that the state government will not deviate from its stand and the state government is prepared to conduct the ULB elections.

With regard to the demand of the Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s), and municipalities, he said, there are much confusion and the department have given clarification on those points relating to Tax on land and buildings.

It was also informed that the 60 members had an informal discussion to explain the position to the elected members and no decision was taken.

It needs to be mentioned here that Municipal Councils and the Town Councils yesterday resolved not to participate nor allow any candidate to contest or file the nomination in the ensuing Urban Local Body polls if the Government fails to review the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the councils in Kohima today which was held to deliberate on the Government’s notification to conduct the Urban Local Body elections on 16 May.

The ULB elections are scheduled to be held on May 16 with 33% of seats reserved for women.