Nagaland gets a new chief minister
Nagaland CM Zeliang stepped down yesterday conceding to demands of tribal groups who were protesting his government's move to reserve 33% seats for women urban body elections. Earlier today, Naga People's Front leader Shurhozelie Liezietsu was unanimously elected the new legislature party leader of ruling Democratic Alliance. Mr. Shurhozelie is set to be Nagaland's new Chief Minister and could be sworn-in this evening.
Nagaland Special Status
Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution accords special rights to Nagaland to protect social, religious practices, customary laws and protections of the Nagas including administering civil and criminal justice that are related to Naga customary law.
Nagaland Cabinet approves reservation for women
In last week of January, Nagaland State Cabinet sanctioned 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies. This was widely opposed by a variety of tribal groups who insisted the TR Zeliang-led state government roll back the decision. Protesters belonging to Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) alleged that one-third women's reservation was in contravention of Nagaland's special status under Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
Violent protests break out
The widespread consternation among tribal groups spilled over on to the streets and turned violent. Mass vandalism was reported from the streets and local police resorted to firing at protesters killing two. Angry mobs armed with machetes, rifles etc burnt down several government buildings and CM Zeliang's house in the capital. The centre dispatched additional columns of army to control volatile situation in Nagaland.
CM Zeilang steps down
The women's reservation kept the state of Nagaland on the boil. In order to break the deadlock between the protesting tribal groups and the government, CM Zeliang decided to step down yesterday. Statement from the CM's office said a new Chief Minister would be chosen by consensus the following day at the Naga People's Front (NPF) Legislature Party meeting.
