Protest continues over 33% reservation for women in Urban local bodies in Nagaland

Situation continues to be tense in Nagaland as mobs, protesting 33 per cent reservation for women in urban local bodies, blocked the highway between Dimapur and Kohima yesterday. Parts in both cities remained under curfew. There was no movement of vehicles across the inter-state gates in Dimapur. Mobile services, including SMS and Internet, also remained suspended across the state.

Chief Minister TR Zeliang met Governor PB Acharya last evening and discussed the situation. Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (TAC), spearheading the protests, also met the Governor and submitted a memorandum. Local body



polls were held in Dimapur and Kohima on Wednesday. A day before the polls, two youths were killed in protests. On Thursday, violent mobs went on a rampage in Kohima, vandalising and setting on fire government offices and vehicles. Five columns of army were deployed.

The State Cabinet has extended supported to the Chief Minister saying that ULB elections is deemed right to be held in the state. Elections were held in some parts of the state on Wednesday. The state government has decided to hold the elections null and void due to protests demanding the resignation of Mr Zeliang on the issue.