TURA: Opposing the recent alleged appointment of former ANVC (B) Chairman, Bernard N Marak (Rimpu Marak) as the town Nokma, the Council of Nokmas has asserted that no Nokma can be appointed for Tura Town.
The former militant chief was reportedly appointed the Tura Town Nokma by Danakgre A’king Nokma, Enilla Ch Marak which, however, did not go down well with most residents of the town who have raised questions over the appointment.
The Council of Nokmas contended that as the authority of A’king Nokma does not extend to the town areas, no Nokma can be appointed for Tura Town.
The issue of the alleged illegal appointment besides others was raised and discussed during an emergent meeting of the Council of Nokmas and other NGOs at Tura recently.
According to the Nokma Council, the selection of the Nokma is made by the clan (Mahari) with the District Council merely approving it after proper verification. “The appointment or succession of the Nokma should be made by the clan concerned and later approved by the Governor,” it said.
The Council also decided to support the idea of raising the number of members of ADCs to 40, out of whom 33 would be elected, five nominated by the Nokmas from amongst themselves while two nominated from amongst the educated section of women, all of whom should belong to ST category.
The meeting also proposed the setting up of a Regional Council in every Lasker Elaka with 10 members, half of whom should be Nokmas nominated from amongst themselves and the other half elected democratically. It proposed that the regional councils be directly funded by the Centre so as to enable speedy development as well as efficient administration.
