KOHIMA, March 27 � Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the State Government has decided to postpone elections to the municipal and town councils as holding elections at this juncture could create tensions and undesirable situation which may hamper the ongoing reconciliation and peace process.
Replying to a starred question by Congress MLA Joshua Sumi on not holding elections to the civic bodies even after expiry of their term, Rio told the Nagaland Assembly on Saturday that the Government proposes to hold fresh elections to all municipal and town councils at the earliest possible time.
Replying to a starred question by Congress MLA Tokheho, who is also the leader of the Opposition, Home Minister Imkong L Imchen informed the House that seven IR Battalions including one IR Mahila Battalion have been sanctioned in the State since 1999.
Informing that the strength of each IR Battalion is 1,039 inclusive of all ranks, the Home Minister said arms including SLR, 9mm carbine, 7.62 LMG, 9 mm pistol, AK-47 rifle and 5.56 Insas rifle are issued to each IR Battalion.
