Nagaland Tribes Council demands abrogation of Cabinet decision giving recognition to Rongmei tribe
DIMAPUR, May 25 (MExN): More than hundred delegates from 15 tribes of Nagaland met today to deliberate on the formation of a ‘common platform’ for all the Naga tribes of Nagaland and unanimously decided to constitute a body under the name and style of ‘Nagaland Tribes Council’ (NTC) to include all Naga tribes of Nagaland with equal representation from all tribal organisations within the State.
The decision to constitute the NTC was taken during the fourth meeting of “concerned tribal leaders” which was held at Hotel Saramati on May 25 at 10:00 AM. In this regard, the Interim Committee expressed its appreciation to all the tribal leaders for their overwhelming response. “More than hundred delegates from 15 tribes of Nagaland participated with great enthusiasm for a common goal and objectives,” stated a press note issued by Pius Lotha, Convenor and Theja Therieh, Secretary NTC.
In the interim, it was informed that a Committee comprising seven members shall work out the modalities and structures for the body and reach out to all tribal organisations. Tribal organisations, meanwhile, have been requested to delegate three members to represent their respective tribes. The meeting also constituted a Committee comprising five members to draft the constitution of the Council and place in the next meeting scheduled on June 22, 2013 for approval.
The meeting it was informed also approved the draft representation to be submitted to the Government stating that the NTC “resolutely stands that Rongmei is not a Tribe in Nagaland and demands for abrogation of Cabinet decision dated 23.07.2012 giving Rongmei as recognized Tribe in Nagaland and that the Nagaland Tribes Council demand immediate re-call of the Government Notification No. Home/SCTA-6/2007(PT) giving Rongmei a recognized Tribe in Nagaland”.
In this regard, the NTC has also taken a firm stance that it does not recognize any tribe from outside Nagaland given recognition by any authority. The Committee appealed to all tribal organisations of Nagaland and all “like-minded people” to extend good will and participate in the “larger interest of the people.”
