KOHIMA, JUNE 21 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has submitted a representation to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), expressing strong concern over recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that, it said, could have serious implications for minority communities and linguistically diverse states like Nagaland.
In a memorandum addressed to the AICC President, NPCC president and Member of Parliament S Supongmeren Jamir referred to Shah’s speech delivered on June 19 at the Hindi book launch of “Main Boond Swayam, Khud Sagar Hoon”, authored by former IAS officer Ashutosh Agnihotri. In his speech, the Home Minister reportedly stated that “those who speak English will soon feel ashamed,” and asserted that India must be run in its own languages with self-respect.
The NPCC said such remarks “may influence future policy decisions” and are particularly concerning for Nagaland, where English serves as the primary medium of communication among the state's 16 major tribes. “Any move away from English could severely hinder official communication and compromise the rights of Nagaland’s people as equal partners in national development,” the party stated.
The NPCC further alleged that non-secular parties in power at the Centre often promote agendas that marginalise minorities and weaken India’s pluralistic character.
Citing historical precedent, the NPCC recalled that during the Janata regime in 1978, attempts were made to curtail religious freedoms and merge smaller states and Union Territories in the North East. “It was only due to the timely intervention of Congress (I) President Indira Gandhi, following a high-level meeting with hill leaders on October 12, 1978, that these moves were thwarted,” the memorandum stated.
The NPCC urged the AICC leadership to take up the matter and ensure that the Union Home Minister’s remarks are addressed and corrected in the interest of national unity and harmony.
