MLA Achumbemo Kikon with topper Lungyihangle Nring.
Kohima, May 25 (MExN): MLA Achumbemo Kikon has advocated for a more equitable system of reservation, one based on socio-economic status and regional infrastructural development rather than solely on tribal classification.
He opined that reservation should be given to the educational sector now by providing more well equipped teachers to the remote areas and the necessary tech required for educating the students.
Kikon illustrated this point with the example of individuals who, once benefiting from job reservations, now enjoy full access to resources and opportunities.
He proposed that such individuals, or the so-called "creamy layer," might no longer require reservation benefits, thereby allowing those in genuinely disadvantaged circumstances to receive the support they need.
Kikon said this while addressing a felicitation programme in honour of HSLC topper at Jubilee Hall, St. Xavier Parish Church, Jalukie on May 24,
Kikon has evolved two new proposition in justification of his argument from shifting of Government job reservation from job to educational sector.
Since the government is finding it difficult to review the existing backward quota till the exercise of new census is completed, the government can at least set the duration of the continuation of the existing backward quota to about 2 to 3 years at most, he said.
After the completion of 2 to 3, years the reservation will be in a different form— “change the job reservation into educational reservation.
And to implement these propositions, Kikon said, a special incentive or let us say scholarship may be given to those identified areas /pocket wise and let them invest that particular amount for special tuition for the students and depute extra teachers in all government run schools with special allowance apart from their normal pay.
If the above propositions are adopted, Kikon confidently asserted that the citizens/students who belong to those backward localities/ areas will definitely catch up and compete with the rest of the advanced citizens (areas) within no time, if not they will be able to overtake the rest of the advanced (areas) amongst the Naga communities.
Honours HSLC topper at Jalukie
Kikon graced the felicitation programme in honour of HSLC topper Rank 1- Lungyihangle Nring from St. Paul Higher Secondary School Dimapur and other meritorious HSLC and HSSLC students, organised by Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland.
The event was held at Jubilee Hall, St. Xavier Parish Church, Jalukie on May 24.
In his address, Kikon, who is Chairman SDPDB Bhandari and Chairman, Environment & Climate Change Committee, NLA, congratulated the seven toppers and other high-achieving students from the Zeliangrong community.
He emphasized that this achievement marks a significant moment for the community, recalling that the last HSLC topper Cherakung Zeliang also hails from the Zeliangrong community was in 1997, who is now serving in the Indian Foreign Service.
He also highlighted the legacy of Haipou Jadonang, a freedom fighter from the community, who made the ultimate sacrifice in resisting British colonial rule and is honored every year on Martyr’s Day, August 29th.
Furthermore, Kikon noted that the first Naga nuclear scientist, Er. Chireuding Zeliang, also hails from the Zeliangrong community.
Citing these remarkable individuals, MLA Kikon reminded the audience that the Zeliangrong people have a proud history of excellence and leadership.
He encouraged the community to continue striving for greater achievements and to take pride in their contributions, urging them not to underestimate their potential.
He expressed concern that despite such accomplishments, the community continues to be categorized as a Backward Tribe.
He encouraged reflection on this status, suggesting that the community itself may consider moving beyond this label, as they have demonstrated capabilities equal to any other group within Naga society.
He praised the INICIO Foundation for recognizing three students from remote areas who overcame significant hardship to pass their HSLC examinations, underscoring that this is the kind of support system that truly reflects the spirit of reservation.
MLA Kikon also noted that Jalukie and its surrounding areas are geographically well-positioned, with proximity to both the state capital, Kohima, and the commercial hub, Dimapur. As such, residents of these areas have relatively better access to infrastructure and opportunities than many other parts of the Zeliangrong region.
Kikon called for continued unity among the Zeliangrong sub-tribes— Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Inpui—emphasizing that they are one family.
He cautioned against any actions that might weaken this unity, reminding everyone that a united Zeliangrong community plays a vital role in promoting solidarity among the Nagas as a whole and that they should continue to contribute positively to the Naga community.
