• To oppose any move to change Article 371A
• Reiterate stance on NMA 2001, to oppose UCC
Kohima, July 19 (MExN): The eight apex tribal hohos of Nagaland has ‘strongly’ urged the Government of Nagaland to ensure their inclusion and consultation in “decision-making process or agreement” to demand of entity by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO).
‘This is to prevent any potential unwelcome situations from arising’ out of the issued, maintained a statement issued after a consultative meeting of the eight tribal hohos of Nagaland - Ao Senden, Angami Public Organisation, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Lotha Hoho, Pochury Hoho, Sümi Hoho and Nagaland Zeliang People's Organisation, on July 19.
It is essential that the Government of Nagaland actively seeks the input and consent of the tribal hohos to maintain harmony and avoid any conflicts, it added.
The tribal hohos of Nagaland further “reach out to all Naga groups to refrain from rectifying or amending Article 371A” of the Indian Constitution with special provisions for the State.
“The 8 tribal hohos of Nagaland shall strongly oppose any move to rectify or amend Article 371A,” it asserted.
It must be noted here that the ENPO on June 27 announced that it has accepted the Government of India’s proposal for formation of a Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) with legislative, executive, administration, and financial autonomy.
The performance of the proposed set-up shall be reviewed after a period of 10 years, it said.
“Considering the sentiments of our Naga brothers and sisters towards unity and togetherness,” the ENPO said, it accepted the proposal “without insisting on dividing the Nagaland State.” The ENPO comprised of 7 tribes of Eastern Nagaland namely Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung.
Meanwhile, the meeting at the Angami Public Organisation (APO) Hall in Kohima also deliberated on Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) 2001 and Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Accordingly, the tribal hohos of Nagaland “vehemently restated our firm opposition to the implementation” of the NMA 2001 in the state, inofnred that statement issued by Razouvotuo Chatsu, APO President and Sessional Chairman and Dr Vihuto Asumi, General Secretary, Sümi Hoho & Sessional Secretary of the consultative meeting.
The hohos further reaffirmed “unwavering support for the resolution put forth by the Government of Nagaland to repeal the NMA 2001,” it added.
Meanwhile, on the proposal of UCC, the meeting noted that it is “very evident that the implementation of the UCC would have severe negative consequences for the tribal people and other minority communities in India.”
Nagaland possesses well-established customary laws, religious practices, and social traditions specific to the state and imposition of the UCC would directly violate the special status accorded to the people of State, the eight tribal hohos concurred.
The UCC would also undermine the principle of unity in diversity enshrined in the Indian Constitution, they contended, adding that such imposition would also jeopardise religious freedom and cultural rights guaranteed to every Indian citizen.
To this end, the eight tribal hohos asserted that any attempt to impose laws against the will of the people would be “undemocratic and unacceptable.”
“Hence, the 8 tribal hohos of Nagaland vehemently oppose the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Nagaland,” it added.
The meeting was also attended by Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), Tenyimia Union Nagaland (TUN) and Tenyimia People's Organisation (TPO).
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