Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): Enraged by what it terms as “violation of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of India”, the Garo Students Union of Nagaland has submitted a complaint to Recruiting Director, 3 Core Rangapahar, Dimapur alleging discrimination of candidates belonging to the Garo Community at the Recruitment Rally held at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on November 24, 2008.
The complaint submitted by president, Biplap K. Sangma relates how a number of youths belonging to the Garo Community of Dimapur had come to the recruitment as per advertisement published with the requisite indigenous criteria since they were inhabitants of Dimapur District. However, on reaching the venue, the aspirants found to their dismay that they would not be allowed to participate in the rally on the reason that they did not belong to the State of Nagaland and that were advised to go to Meghalaya.
As such, the students’ union stated that this denial of opportunity to eligible candidates who fulfilled the requisite preliminary criteria is discriminatory and unconstitutional. “The Garos are recognized Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland and their status as such has never been questioned at any time,” stated the complaint letter adding that their existence in the State of Nagaland has been given due recognition even in the official Gazette of 1970. “As such, the State Government has empowered the Office of the Deputy Commissioner to issue Indigenous Certificates to members of the Garo Community who are found to be Indigenous Inhabitants of the State. The State Government has also made provisions for the Indigenous Garos as seen in the Notification issued by the Home Department Vide Order No. APPT-I8/6/67 Dt. Kohima 6/7/73.”
In view of such “arbitrary and irrational denial of opportunity to the said candidates from Dimapur District is founded on no reasonable basis and amounts the violation of Fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of India”, the union expresses sincere hopes that such incidents will be avoided in future. The Union also urged Recruiting Director, Colonel Rakesh Nair to ensure that the personnel in charge of recruitments are better informed as to the rights and status of the genuine Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland. It also cautions that in the event of continued discrimination on the community, the Garos of Nagaland would be constrained to air their constitutional grievances before the High Court.
.JPG)
