Nagaland witnessed a series of violent incidents over the inclusion of 33% reservation for women in their local body elections. Prabir Purkayastha, chief editor of Newsclick, spoke to writer, lawyer, and activist, Nandita Haksar on this matter. There are mainly two narratives regarding the issue. One claims that patriarchy is trying to reinforce itself in opposing the demand for reservation; the other refutes this by claiming that this is an attack on Naga peoples’ traditional way of life. Also, Article 371(a) is wrongfully invoked to curtail women’s participation in the political space. There is also the question of land rights for women. And finally, where does the buck stop? Is this whole upheaval just another effort to gain control over land and resources and let the corporates move in?
